Should There Be Concern For Sidney Crosby?

Word got out on Monday afternoon that Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby may not be ready for the start of the regular season. Crosby is apparently still suffering concussion-like symptoms almost eight months after suffering a concussion that forced him to miss the final 41 games of the regular season, and all of the Penguins seven game loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Penguins General Manager Ray Shero has said they are not setting a time frame for Crosby's return, but do expect the former Hart Trophy winner to eventually return to full-time play.

Though there doesn't appear to be any serious concern on part of the Penguins organization on whether or not Crosby will ever play again, I can't help but wonder if that question needs to be asked?

Crosby suffered the injury in either against the Washington Capitals in the Winter Classic, or Jan. 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. That was a little more then seven months ago and Crosby is still apparently dealing with headaches, though Shero said he is still able to do his full workout routine.

The Penguins are definitely taking the correct approach in not rushing Crosby back, but he began skating in April and four months later is still experiencing concussion-like symptoms. Crosby chose to return to Canada this offseason, but I can't help but wonder if it would've benefitted him more to stay in Pittsburgh where the teams' trainers and doctors could monitor his workouts everyday and evalute him afterwards.

When I think about this situation, I can't help but think about Eric Lindros. Lindros was well on his way to being one of the most dominant forwards to ever play in the NHL before suffering a series of concussions that ultimately derailed his career.

The information on concussions was not what it is now when Lindros was going through his troubles, and this is only Crosby's first concussion, but once a player suffers one he is always susceptible to another one.

Do I think Crosby's career is in danger? No. But, the fact that nearly eight months after suffering his first concussion he is still experiencing symptoms suggests to me that the injury is worse then the Penguins have led on.