Sidney Crosby is closing in on one of Wayne Gretzky’s lesser-known but still impressive NHL records. Once Crosby joins Gretzky as the only player in NHL history to average a point per game for 19 consecutive seasons, his next goal will be something Gretzky never achieved.

Legends like Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, and even Crosby’s childhood hero, Steve Yzerman, never ventured into the territory Crosby is heading toward.

Remember the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ill-fated “X Generation,” a forgettable era of players that preceded Crosby’s arrival? While the Penguins’ current state isn’t as dire as the early 2000s, the focus now shifts to their next generation of players. Crosby, following a brief slump, is showing signs that he’s ready to guide this new wave of talent.

In Crosby’s 40th career four-point game against the Colorado Avalanche, there was a certain poignancy. The Avalanche, a recent Stanley Cup winner built on a model similar to the Penguins’, boast Nathan MacKinnon—Crosby’s close friend and fellow Nova Scotian. Crosby breathed life into a game that seemed heavily tilted in favor of the Avalanche.

Interestingly, Crosby’s standout performance occurred after longtime linemate Jake Guentzel was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes—coincidentally, the team many speculated Crosby should finish his career with. But that won’t happen. Crosby has repeatedly stated his intention to finish his career with the Penguins, as he made clear in a recent interview with *The Athletic*. Fenway Sports Group, the Penguins’ ownership, is equally committed to making Crosby a “Forever Penguin.”

Although contract talks can’t officially begin until July 1, it’s likely the deal will secure Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh. A three-year contract with a $10 million cap hit seems fitting, allowing him to play alongside Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang through the end of their current contracts. Crosby has advocated for their re-signing, reinforcing his desire to stick with the Penguins.

Despite some critics arguing that Crosby deserves better than the current Penguins roster, he’s made it clear that Pittsburgh is where he belongs. Comparisons to Mario Lemieux, who didn’t finish his 17th season with the Penguins, are inevitable. However, Crosby, even at 18, was ready to lead the franchise, and he remains the only man for the job today.

As the Penguins hover between playoff contention and a potential rebuild, Crosby will need transparency from management about the team’s future. General manager Kyle Dubas will have to demonstrate a clear plan to transform the team into a contender again if he wants Crosby’s buy-in. Without it, the Penguins risk sinking into mediocrity.

Crosby has become the heart and soul of the Penguins, embodying the team’s blue-collar ethos. His leadership is essential in shaping the next generation of Penguins, and his commitment to hard work and team success has made him an icon in Pittsburgh. Though the team’s Cup chances have dwindled in recent years, Crosby’s dedication to the franchise remains unwavering.