Sidney Crosby to avoid surgery, rehab wrist injury instead

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby will avoid surgery on his injured right wrist, the team announced on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby will avoid surgery on his injured right wrist, the team announced on Tuesday.

The injury contributed to Crosby's disappointing playoff run, which saw him score just one goal in 13 games. Last week, it was announced Crosby would undergo surgery, but the team changed course.

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford explained the decision in a press release and on Twitter:

After seeking additional medical advice, doctors have decided not to perform surgery on Sidney Crosby’s wrist. (1 of 2)

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 15, 2014

Sid will continue treatments and be evaluated regularly while he prepares for training camp in September. (2 of 2)

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 15, 2014

Crosby won the 2014 Hart Memorial Trophy as the league MVP. He helped lead Pittsburgh to a Metropolitan Division title and the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins were knocked out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the second round by the New York Rangers.

- Paul Palladino