Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby remains uncertain as to when he will be returning to action despite progress in his recovery from concussion that he sustained.
Crosby along medical staff held a press conference Wednesday but would not release a date for his return. The Penguins are set to open their NHL season on October 6.
Before Sidney goes back to play, medical staff wants to be 100 percent sure that he is recovered, according to one of the doctors who has worked with Crosby.
"On (the issue of) return to contact, we have to do that in a very careful way, we are not even close to that now.
"When he is ready we will know. The prognosis is excellent that he won't have any long-term problems. On the return to play issue, I am also very confident."
Crosby, one of the NHL's biggest attractions, has not played in the league since early January after absorbing two hits to the head in successive games within a week.
The NHL's leading scorer at the time, said he was bothered by headaches after the incidents and was out of comission for the season and playoffs.
After a few setbacks, the team said Crosby made significant progress later in the offseason but began having headaches again when he got to 90 percent exertion in his workouts.
"Ninety percent is good but if there are symptoms then 90 percent isn't good enough," Crosby said.
"Maybe I could get by on 90, maybe not, but I'm not going to roll the dice on that."
When asked whether there was a fear that he might not play in the NHL again, Crosby said: "A pretty slight one, I wouldn't bet on that." He then added that he had not, at any stage, considered retiring.
If Crosby never plays again, he’s still one of the top players to ever take the ice and he’s only 24 years old. The last thing anyone would want is for him to receive another injury causing him to miss more time, or worse.
