Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin set to script HISTORY with Pittsburgh Penguins in upcoming 2023-24 NHL season

Pittsburgh Penguins legendary trio of Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin are now set to enter their eighteenth season as teammates, the longest in North American sports history.

Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin set to script HISTORY with Pittsburgh Penguins in upcoming 2023-24 NHL season

Sidney Crosby (L), Kris Letang (C) and Evgeni Malkin (R) [Pic Credit: AP]

As the 2023-24 NHL season fast approaches, the eyes of the fans are set on the opening clash between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks. While the showdown between Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard is one to watch, the Penguins fans are looking out for a historic record. This will be the eighteenth successive season where Crosby has been teammates with Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin.

This trio is now set to become the longest-tenured trio of teammates in the vast history of North American sports. They will eclipse the equally highly respected and skilled trio of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera for this record. These three had been teammates for seventeen years for the MLB side – New York Yankees.

YouTube video

This Penguins trio has played a huge part in their success over the last two decades. While Crosby joined in 2005 as the number one draft pick, Malkin was drafted as number two in the 2004 draft. The final member of this trio, Letang was also drafted in the 2005 draft.

FS Video

Ever since the 2006-07 season, these three have been together, going through the highs and lows of hockey at the same time. While this marks an incredible moment in the franchise and sports history, there have been questions on whether this aging trio could lead the Penguins to glory once again.

Related: Does Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby have a chance for one last 100-point season?

Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin: An ageless trio that defined NHL

Every season, there are some new faces on the team. These players then try to form bonds with the already existing members to help the team achieve their goals. The Pittsburgh Penguins have also seen several names make their way into the team. However, the trio of Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin have been the three cornerstones of this franchise in the last two decades.

Now set to enter their 18th season as teammates, the expectations are perhaps high on their shoulders. Despite that, this trio has etched their names in sports history and will be celebrated as one of the greatest groups to ever go down.

Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang
Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin together (Pic Credit X/ESPN Stats and Info)

The forward duo of Crosby and Malkin are second and third respectively in the club’s all-time points history behind the great Mario Lemieux. Meanwhile, 36-year-old defenceman Letang has the most points by a defenceman in franchise history. “It’s just special. There’s no other way to put it around,” Crosby said on this trio while claiming it is not easy to be teammates for this long during this current time.

How long will this trio go though is another question on the minds of fans. Both Letang and Malkin signed big long contracts following the 2020-21 season to extend their stay in Pittsburgh. It is likely that this trio could see another few years together before deciding to hang their skates together.

In case you missed it: