Crosby: 'Ton of respect' for Ovechkin after retirement announcement

Sidney Crosby expressed his admiration for Alex Ovechkin after the Washington Capitals icon announced Monday that the 2026-27 season will be his last in the NHL.

"Over the years, obviously, I've developed a friendship with him and have a ton of respect for him," Crosby said, per Penguins reporter Dan Potash.

"Definitely have had some great battles over the years," Crosby added.

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain also acknowledged the weight of the moment for his longtime rival.

"It's tough, you come into the league at 18 years old, and before we even met, we were built up against each other," Crosby said. "Obviously, when you get to our age, that's something that you have to make decisions on. For him, as long as he's happy and enjoying it, that's the biggest thing."

A RIVALRY FOR THE AGES

Crosby and Ovechkin have been inextricably linked since entering the league together in 2005-06, two generational talents arriving at the exact same moment. The Penguins and Capitals have been intense rivals throughout their careers, facing off in four playoff series that helped define an era of Eastern Conference hockey.

The matchups became appointment viewing, each series carrying the weight of a larger argument. There have been continuous debates about which star is the better player, a conversation that has followed both from their rookie seasons to the present day.

"It's tough, you come into the league at 18 years old, and before we even met, we were built up against each other," Crosby said.