Penguins’ Crosby awaits results of concussion evaluations
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is awaiting full reports from concussion specialists he saw recently in Georgia and Michigan and, once all the information is in, he and the team will plot a course as training camp approaches.
“It’s a process over the last couple weeks,” Penguins general manager Ray Shero said today, adding that guidance from local medical staff will be combined with that from the out-of-town concussion doctors.
“They’ll give us the advice on what he should do with his training and going into training camp,” Shero said.
He declined to name the doctors or facilities in Georgia and Michigan, citing Crosby’s privacy. The team has said those doctors expect Crosby to fully recover from the concussion that was diagnosed Jan. 6 and sidelined him the rest of last season.
Shero said he and Crosby share the view that the star center will return to play at some point.
“We need to be patient, and he’ll come back,” Shero said. “That’s what everybody has told us. We’re confident about that. Sidney’s confident about that.”
Camp starts Sept. 16. Shero envisions Crosby being back in Pittsburgh and around the team, just as he was the balance of last season after he got hurt. His participation level beyond that has not been determined.
Shero said Crosby skated as recently as earlier this week and continues to train, although his workouts have been tweaked because he began having headaches when he reached about 90 percent exertion.
Shero said he understands that there is a swirl of angst, skepticism, curiosity and impatience where Crosby’s future is concerned.
“When you have news 24/7, people want answers,” Shero said. “We don’t have all the answers with this injury.
“I talked to him twice [Wednesday]. I think he’s hoping everybody will be patient. I think our fans understand. They want news, but in the bigger picture they want him to come back.”
Crosby, 24, is a former NHL scoring champion and MVP. He was leading the league with 66 points in 41 games when he got hurt.
He has not granted interviews since April, but said in a statement Wednesday night that he appreciated the support he’s gotten.