By the Numbers: How #87 Became Sidney Crosby’s Lifelong Signature
In the NHL, certain numbers are inseparable from the hockey stars who wore them. You can't see number "99" without thinking of Wayne Gretzky, or number "66" without picturing Mario Lemieux. But for this generation, no number carries more weight than the number "87" on Sidney Crosby’s jersey. Born on August 7, 1987 (8/7/87), the number “87” was his identity before he ever stepped onto professional ice. When he arrived in Pittsburgh as "The Next One" in 2005, he didn't just wear number “87”—he began turning it into a global brand.
The Math of a Legend
Crosby’s career has been a masterclass in consistency. Now in his 21st season, he remains the gold standard, proving a teenage phenom can transition into the game’s ultimate elder statesman. Alongside the countless awards and accolades that Crosby has collected, which includes three Stanley Cup championships, two Conn Smythe Trophies, and two Hart Trophies, it is his staying power that really stands out to hockey fans—everywhere. In late 2025, he hit a milestone that felt like a passing of the torch, moving past his mentor, Mario Lemieux, for the most total points in Pittsburgh Penguins history. He currently sits 8th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list.
The Iconic "8.7" Discount
Some of Crosby’s most impactful moves happened off the ice. For nearly two decades, he famously insisted on a salary cap hit of exactly $8.7 million. Even as league revenues climbed and peers signed for much more, Crosby never budged. He stayed loyal to his number and his team. In 2024, he doubled down, signing an extension that keeps that $8.7 million average through the 2026-27 season. By taking less than his market value, Crosby gave the Penguins the financial breathing room to stay competitive, cementing his status as a leader who puts the team ahead of his own bank account.
87: A Global Hockey Brand
Today, seeing number “87” on a jersey is shorthand for an elite work ethic. Sidney Crosby took a rare number and built it into a global brand that resonates far beyond Pittsburgh; number “87" represents the pinnacle of the sport.
Cool Fact: Sidney Crosby scored the "Golden Goal" during the 2010 Winter Olympics; one of “Canada’s most iconic sports moments” (according to some hockey fans).
When “Sid the Kid” chooses to retire, number “87” will rise to the rafters of PPG Paints Arena, never to be worn by another Penguin; a final tribute to a kid from Cole Harbour who lived up to every bit of the hype.