Crosby took part in Pittsburgh's Fan Fest event at PPG Paints Arena on Oct. 9, but missed practice the following day because of concussion testing. It later was announced Crosby had sustained his third concussion in six years.
Four days after being injured by what he called getting "tangled up" in the Oct. 7 practice, Crosby returned to the ice. He skated on his own Oct. 11 and 12.
After skating Oct. 12, Crosby left the public rink at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, walked to another rink, grabbed a different stick and joined his teammates for practice. He changed into the no-contact jersey to participate in limited line drills.
Crosby's concussion history began Jan. 1, 2011, when he was hit by Washington Capitals forward David Steckel during the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.
After he had an assist and played 19:03 against the Tampa Bay Lightning four days later, Crosby did not play again until Nov. 21, 2011 against the New York Islanders, his first of eight games back before missing an additional three months.
Crosby returned again against the New York Rangers on March 15, 2012, and remained in the lineup throughout the rest of the regular season and the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Last season he won the Conn Smythe Trophy, helping the Penguins win the Stanley Cup. He then led Team Canada to the championship at the World Cup of Hockey 2016 last month and was named the tournament's most valuable player with 10 points in six games.
The concussion stalled what was expected to be a strong start to the regular season for Crosby, but his consistent progression has helped him remain optimistic.
"I think it's encouraging when you're able to skate," Crosby said. "You're able to stay in shape. Going out there today, being able to go through a regular practice, I think when you have things like that, that are encouraging and mean you're going in the right direction, it's a little bit easier to stay motivated and stay up-beat about it."