So Why Hasn’t Sidney Signed In Europe Yet?

If there’s one player who is itching to get back onto the ice, it’s probably Sidney Crosby.

For the first time in ages, he’s fully healthy, in the best shape of his life, and ready to go. Of course, the NHL decides that this is the best time to have a lockout.

However, if he’s ready to go and wants to play, why hasn’t Sid followed Evgeni Malkin, Patrice Bergeron, and countless other players and signed in a European league yet? Or, why hasn’t he participated in any of the charity games that former Penguin Max Talbot organized in Quebec? Both Marc-Andre Fleury and Kris Letang did.

Simple: the insurance cost.

Turns out, thanks to his history with concussions, insuring Sidney could cost up to $400,000 a month. Yeah, $400,000.

But, I hear you say, Sid is worth that risk, is he not?

Sure he is, but Sid told Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that it’s just not that easy. Most European clubs can’t afford that, and charity games for sure can’t put up that kind of money, no matter who the star is.

Despite that, reports from 25stanley.com are saying that the Zurich Lions of Switzerland are actively trying to get Sid to sign with them for the duration of the lockout. Dustin Brown, captain of the LA Kings, just signed there yesterday. Not too sure how accurate these reports are, but keep watching this space. Considering the season is all but done, there’s a good chance this will happen.

• Sidney Crosby