Crosby, a high-scoring center, is the big prize available in the 2005 NHL Draft after finishing with 135 and 168 points in his two seasons with Rimouski of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Pittsburgh Penguins win the NHL Draft Lottery and select him with the No. 1 pick.
He finishes his rookie season with 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) despite playing on a last-place team. At age 19, he becomes the youngest player to win the
NHL scoring title
when he finishes the 2006-07 season with 120 points (36 goals, 84 assists). He's named captain in 2007 and helps the Penguins advance to the 2008 Stanley Cup Final, where they lose to the Detroit Red Wings in six games.
But Pittsburgh avenges that loss a year later, and at age 21, Crosby become the youngest captain in NHL history to hoist the Stanley Cup.