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Penguins’ Sidney Crosby sets NHL record for longest tenure as captain

Sidney Crosby has set another NHL record. The future Hockey Hall of Famer is entering his 20th season as the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and is now the longest-tenured captain in NHL history.

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 3:47 PM
Penguins’ Sidney Crosby sets NHL record for longest tenure as captain
Key Things to Know
  • Sidney Crosby has set the NHL record for the longest tenure as captain by entering his 20th season.
  • Crosby surpassed former Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman to claim the historic NHL milestone.
  • The 2026-27 season marks Crosby's 22nd NHL campaign, starting against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Sidney Crosby is entering his 20th season as captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, officially becoming the longest-tenured captain in NHL history. Crosby's 22nd NHL season begins Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. He surpasses former Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, who held the previous record from his tenure between 1986-87 and 2005-06.

Throughout his career, Crosby has recorded 1,761 points in 1,420 regular-season games, recently passing Mario Lemieux for eighth on the NHL's all-time points list. Crosby has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles in 2009, 2016, and 2017, also capturing two Conn Smythe Trophies.

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