Sidney Crosby has officially made more NHL history. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has surpassed Steve Yzerman to become the longest-tenured captain in NHL history, entering his 20th season wearing the “C” for Pittsburgh.
SID MAKES HISTORY. 🐐🐧
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 30, 2026
Sidney Crosby passes Steve Yzerman to become the LONGEST-TENURED CAPTAIN IN NHL HISTORY! pic.twitter.com/A6sor5qO0d
Crosby’s latest accomplishment adds another remarkable chapter to a career that has already included three Stanley Cup championships, two Olympic gold medals and countless individual milestones. But this record is particularly significant because of the legendary captain he just passed.
Crosby moves past Steve Yzerman
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Crosby was named captain of the Penguins on May 31, 2007, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at the time. He spent the 2025-26 season tied with Yzerman at 19 seasons as a captain, but the start of the 2026-27 campaign officially moved him into sole possession of the record.
Yzerman served as captain of the Detroit Red Wings from the 1986-87 season through 2005-06, giving him 19 seasons with the captaincy. Crosby matched that mark last season before beginning his 20th season as Pittsburgh’s captain.
The Penguins have now had Crosby wear the captain’s “C” for nearly two full decades, an extraordinary level of continuity for one player and one franchise.
The NHL itself recognized Crosby as the league’s longest-tenured current captain entering this season, while Pittsburgh highlighted the milestone as Crosby began his 22nd NHL season.
Another historic chapter for Sidney Crosby
What makes the accomplishment even more remarkable is that Crosby remains an active player and is still serving as the Penguins’ captain at 39 years old.
His longevity has also been shared with longtime teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The trio is beginning its 21st season together in Pittsburgh, making them the longest-tenured trio of teammates in major North American professional sports history.
Crosby’s career has become synonymous with consistency in Pittsburgh. He has remained with the Penguins since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2005 NHL Draft and has spent his entire professional career with the organization.
Now, his name sits alone atop another NHL record.
Steve Yzerman’s 19-season run as an NHL captain has officially been surpassed, with Sidney Crosby becoming the first captain in league history to reach 20 seasons wearing the “C.”
For the Penguins and their fans, it is another historic milestone for a player who has spent his entire career making history in Pittsburgh.
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