At 38 years old, Sidney Crosby continues to defy the expectations that come with age in professional sports, captivating fans and analysts alike with his remarkable consistency and impact on the ice.

As captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby’s presence remains as commanding as ever, and last season’s electrifying performance only reinforced his status among hockey’s all-time greats. But what’s truly astonishing isn’t just his ability to rack up points or lead his team—it’s the subtle, often overlooked trait that has kept him at the top of the NHL for nearly two decades.

While many superstars fade as the years pass, Crosby seems to have uncovered a secret formula for longevity, adapting his game in ways that few can replicate.

Experts have begun to highlight one specific quality that separates Crosby from the rest, a trait that could explain why he’s still thriving when others struggle to keep pace.

As he prepares to make history with his unmatched tenure as captain, questions swirl around what exactly keeps Crosby so productive—and whether this hidden edge could be the key to his enduring legacy.

What is this unique advantage, and how has it shaped Crosby’s legendary career? The answer might surprise you. Read on to discover what sets Sidney Crosby apart from every other player in the league.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

Photo credit: CBS News

Sidney Crosby is still a star in the NHL at 38-years of age, and now it’s been pointed out just how he’s managed to stay so productive.

After two decades at the top level, Sidney Crosby is still one of the top players in the National Hockey League, and as he approaches 40-years of age, he’s shown no signs of slowing down to this point.

Last season was a perfect example of that, as Crosby tallied 33 goals and 91 points over 80 games, showing why he’s considered by many to be one of the greatest players to ever play in the NHL.

Crosby’s skill at adaptation has kept him relevant in the NHL

Some players early in their career rely on skill or physicality, and when they get older, unfortunately that starts to slow down, and as a result, some of those players begin to fade gradually as they approach their mid 30’s.

However, as pointed out by The Hockey Writers, it’s Crosby skill at adapting to what his team needs and what his opponents are giving him, combined with immense vision, hockey IQ and puck skill that allows him to still be among the best players in the league at 38-years of age.

On top of that, Crosby is one of the greatest leaders the game has ever seen, and this season, he’ll tie Steve Yzerman as the longest tenured captain in NHL history, with 2025/26 set to be his 19th year as captain of the Penguins.

Sure, Crosby isn’t as quick as he once was, and he’s maybe not as physical, but between the ears and as a leader, this is still one of the best players in the NHL, and it doesn’t appear as though that will be changing anytime soon.