It is still far too far away to speculate on whether or not Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby will be ready for training camp.
That was the message from Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, after reports out of Halifax had the 24-year-old cancelling on-ice training sessions, including ice-time he had booked at a local arena, after concussion symptoms were said to have returned.
Crosby is still suffering from lingering effects from a concussion he suffered in January, and has not played in an NHL game since Jan. 5.
"Sidney hasn't been shut down by anyone," Brisson said. "He has simply adjusted his summer program accordingly to the different needs for the appropriate recovery. Training camp is in three weeks from now. It is too premature to speculate all kinds of deliberate information at his point.
"Sidney will address the media at the appropriate time in order to give everyone an update. As far as I know training camp hasn't started yet."
Despite maintaining an offseason training regimen to this point, had yet to be cleared for contact skating.
This is the second time this summer Crosby's health has been questioned.
Less than a week ago, Penguins general manager Ray Shero needed to answer questions about his star player's recovery, when NHL Home Ice radio producer Josh Rimer posted a message on Twitter that stated Crosby would not be ready to start the upcoming season.
On his Twitter page, the message read: "Also hearing from 3 sources now that Sidney Crosby won't b ready 2 start season. I hope its not true because the NHL needs its best players!"
At that time, Shero said that Crosby had had some recurrence of concussion symptoms, though nothing had forced him to stop training. Shero confirmed that Crosby was cleared to train regularly without contact. He had been working out at various local rinks in Halifax since mid-July.
Shero said that clearance would not be sought by the player and team until at least a week before training camp, which opens Sept. 16.
He added that Crosby would not be pushed to join the Penguins for on-ice practices at camp - or even when the regular season is scheduled to open for them on Oct. 6 in Vancouver.
