It seems that missing the playoffs for the first time since his rookie campaign won't sway Sidney Crosby from staying loyal to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 35-year-old was asked about playing out the rest of his career with the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2005 at his end-of-season media availability on Saturday.
"I'd love to," Crosby said, per team reporter Michelle Crechiolo. "That's been the case since Day 1. I feel really fortunate to have been drafted here. I have great memories. I've got to play with two teammates specifically for a really long time - so I'd love that to be the case."
Crosby is under contract for two more seasons with a full no-movement clause. Longtime teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang signed new multi-year deals with Pittsburgh last offseason, but the direction of the franchise is currently in limbo after general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke were fired on Friday.
After the firings, ownership maintained that Crosby finishing his career in Pittsburgh is a priority for the organization no matter who it brings into the front office.
"It's very important that Sidney Crosby never plays in another uniform other than the Pittsburgh Penguins," alternate governor Dave Beeston said.
Crosby produced another brilliant season in 2022-23 despite the Penguins falling short of the postseason. He led the club in scoring and became the 15th player in NHL history to eclipse 1,500 career points.