REPORT: Multiple Teammates once tried to force Sidney Crosby out as Penguins Captain - Malkin shut it down

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Ryan
September 12, 2022 (12:05)

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There was a stretch at one point in Sidney Crosby's career where he went three straight seasons with playing in less than half of the regular season games. It was at the point where fans were starting to wonder if Sid 'the Kid' should retire before he had some even more serious injuries.

In 2011 Crosby was really struggling with these injuries and apparently during this time the Pittsburgh Penguins began to discuss if the team should name a new captain to the team due to the long absences of Crosby.

Sidney Crosby's Concussion Timeline.
2011 Winter Classic - January 1, 2011
Crosby takes a hit to the head from Capitals forward David Steckel. Although he ended up finishing the game, a hit against the boards in a game 4 days later left him out for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/ejlSOrgqKP— The Steve Moore Foundation Doctor (@TheSteveMooreD1) October 27, 2019

Surprisingly, these players who reportedly were looking for new leadership, were the teams leaders, in Brooks Orpik, Jordan Staal, Craig Adams and well, Matt Cooke.

We could have seen the Penguins name a new captain, but the Penguins second line center Evgeni Malkin, the other long-time star of the Penguins apparently stood up during the meeting.

Guys. Sid is the f****** captain.

After that the matter was settled, Crosby stayed captain. It's great to see Malkin show leadership here and stick up for his longtime teammate and friend.

We have seen on multiple occasions now Crosby do the same for Malkin when it comes to the team. There were rumours that former GM Jim Rutherford wanted to trade Malkin before Crosby stepped in, and apparently just this past summer Crosby flew out to see Malkin to convince him to re-sign a certain contract with the Penguins.