NHL 24 is now available on video game consoles, and for another year, Sidney Crosby hasn’t been featured on the cover of the video game series.
“Sid the Kid’s” absence on the NHL 24 cover begs the question. Why has Sidney Crosby never been on the cover of EA Sports NHL?
In this article, we’ll explore the question of why NHL legend Sidney Crosby hasn’t made his way onto the cover of the popular EA Sports NHL video game franchise.
Sidney Crosby: A Living Legend in the NHL
It’s difficult to overstate Sidney Crosby’s contribution to the NHL and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Making his debut in the 2005-2006 season, he has been a cornerstone of success for his team and the league.
With a point-per-game production that is nothing short of incredible, Crosby has led the Penguins to three Stanley Cup victories. He’s garnered virtually every NHL trophy, etching his name permanently among hockey’s elite.
The Prestige of the EA Sports NHL Cover
For years, EA Sports has selected the NHL’s top talents to grace the cover of its yearly NHL video game series. The choice is often reflective of a player’s impact on the game, their performance, and their marketability.
Recent EA NHL Covers
| NHL Covers | Featured Stars |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Connor McDavid |
| 2019 | P.K. Subban |
| 2020 | Auston Matthews |
| 2021 | Alexander Ovechkin |
| 2022 | Auston Matthews |
| 2023 | Trevor Zegras |
Given these criteria, it’s somewhat puzzling that Crosby, an athlete of his caliber, has never appeared on the cover.
Let’s explore the top reasons Sidney Crosby hasn’t been on the EA NHL cover in his career.
Rejecting the Spotlight: Sidney Crosby’s Preference for Privacy
One reason might be Crosby’s desire for privacy. Unlike other athletes who enjoy publicity, Crosby is private about his personal life. He might wish to avoid the high-profile exposure that comes with being on a video game cover.
Sid the Kid avoids unnecessary media interaction, and being the cover athlete requires a notable media commitment. Many hockey players appear to love the attention from the media, but Crosby is humble and prefers just to play the game.
The Role of Superstition: A Tale of Luck and Ritual
Superstitions play a big role in sports, and Crosby is no exception. Known for his pre-game rituals, Crosby might see a video game cover as a potential jinx. Tracing the golden arches of the McDonald’s logo is just one of Crosby’s many superstitions.
Sidney Crosby has traced the Golden Arches. Hockey is officially back in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/Vgc3E5sJ6p
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 28, 2023
The notion of ‘bad luck’ is deeply ingrained in sports culture, and Crosby’s reservations may stem from this widespread belief. In the history of the EA Sports franchise, Patrick Kane (NHL 10) is the only player to win the Stanley Cup the year they were featured on the EA NHL cover.
The Intricacies of Contractual Agreements
Fans suggest another reason: contractual limits. Early in his career, Crosby had a sponsorship deal with Reebok, which might have restricted his public appearances and endorsements. 
It’s conceivable that Crosby’s contractual obligations may have initially prevented him from gracing a video game cover. But it’s puzzling that years later, Sid, now with CCM, is still among the NHL stars who have never been on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL video game.
Conclusion: The Enigma Continues
Sidney Crosby’s absence from the cover of EA Sports NHL video games remains a topic of fascination and speculation. While the exact reasons continue to elude the public sphere, they likely lie at the intersection of privacy, superstition, and perhaps contractual limitations.
As the NHL gears up for new seasons and new editions of its video game, the question will persist. However, it seems that for Crosby, the focus will always be less on the cover of a video game and more on the actual game of hockey.