Two Decades of the “Big 3”: Penguins Bond That Defies the Modern NHL

In a league where jersey loyalty often evaporates by the next trade deadline, what is unfolding in Pittsburgh isn’t merely rare—it is borderline impossible. When the puck dropped for the 2025–26 season, it wasn’t just another home opener for the fans; it marked the start of a historic twentieth year together for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.

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We aren’t simply watching teammates anymore; we are witnessing the longest-running trio in the entire history of North American pro sports. The Pittsburgh “Big Three” is carving out a level of longevity that feels completely unsustainable in today’s salary cap era.

The Gold Standard

To the Penguins faithful, these three are much more than names on a roster—they represent the very soul of the franchise. Since 2006, they have remained the constant through three Stanley Cup championships and a lifetime of high-stakes hockey. They didn’t just win together; they survived together, leaning on one another through early-career growing pains, devastating injuries, and health scares that once threatened to end everything years ago.

Following their emotional home-opener tribute, Crosby’s reflection on their journey hits home for anyone who has ever followed this team:

“This is a unique circumstance with how long that… we’ve played together. What we’ve been through. It’s just not common and there’s no real blueprint.”

Family Over Everything: A Penguins Brotherhood

What truly sets Pittsburgh’s “Big Three” apart is a genuine sense of brotherhood. They’ve had every excuse to split up—salary cap crunches, coaching changes, and the tempting lure of free agency—but they chose Pittsburgh every single time.

While helping to share the raw emotion, Malkin commented:

“It’s very special. Time is flying. I feel like 20 years ago, it’s one day. It’s amazing. Love to play with Sid and [Letang]. Same team together [for] 20 years. It’s special.”

“The Big Three” — A Living Legend

Even now, well into the 2025–26 season, Pittsburgh’s “Big Three” aren’t just hanging around for some sentimental retirement tour. They remain the core drivers of the Penguins’ identity. To see them still competing side by side is a genuine gift to the game of hockey.

Next: The Trade Rumors Can Stop: Evgeni Malkin Isn’t Going Anywhere