While it took Crosby and the Penguins a few months to strike a deal, many speculated that the state of the team might run the captain out of town. Crosby is known as one of the sp

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to hit the reset button. Pittsburgh narrowly missed the playoffs each of the last two years after a stretch of 16 consecutive appearances.

Crosby’s contract is designated 35-plus, a notable status per the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and its Players Association. The contract includes two signing bonuses — a choice, essentially, by Crosby and agent Pat Brisson to get the bulk of the actual money paid before Crosby plays the final season of the new deal.