Sidney Crosby leaves Penguins’ scrimmage early for unknown reason

Speculation is running rampant about the health status of Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby.

The resumption of the 2019-20 NHL season is scheduled to kick off on Aug. 1, but in the form of the 24-team Stanley Cup Playoff.

This past Monday, all eligible squads opened up their respective facilities for training camp just before they leave for their respective hub city (Toronto or Edmonton). However, there’s some serious speculation surrounding one of the game’s biggest stars.

On Saturday, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan revealed that star center Sidney Crosby left practice early for an unknown reason. Important to note that all teams aren’t permitted to disclose player illnesses or injuries due to the safety protocols put in place by the league for the resumed season.

Sidney Crosby’s mysterious absence

Crosby was participating in a scrimmage game earlier in the day, but left the ice and never returned. The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, who was in attendance for the exhibition, said he didn’t notice anything particularly alarming as Crosby departed for the locker room.

The Penguins are returning after a four-month absence from the game after the coronavirus pandemic forced the NHL to close its doors back in March. With players returning to participate in on-ice drills, there’s a high likelihood players could pick up minor injuries. And given that all 24 teams are entering playoff mode, coaches aren’t willing to risk their prominent players picking up serious injuries.

At the time of the league-wide pause, Crosby scored 16 goals and dished out 31 assists while averaging 20:16 per game. However, Crosby was limited to just 41 games this season due to undergoing core muscle surgery this past November.

Make no mistake about it, Crosby’s presence is pivotal in the Penguins make another run to the Stanley Cup Final. Their first hurdle will come in the form of the Montreal Canadiens and their brick wall of a goaltender in Carey Price.

We should get a better idea on Crosby’s status for the return-to-play tournament by Sunday. If Crosby takes the ice, everything is obviously fine. If not, the speculation and rumors will continue to circulate.