Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Shea arrived in Alberta with a clear mission: help Connor McDavid chase another Stanley Cup. But the 26-year-old rookie also brought a unique perspective — one shaped by three seasons spent alongside Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins legend.

What did Ryan Shea say about Sidney Crosby?

Shea didn’t hold back when asked about Crosby’s influence. Speaking to NHL.com after signing a five-year, $20 million contract with the Oilers, he called Crosby a “future Hall of Famer” whose leadership and championship pedigree set a gold standard.

“You get Sid that has been around the game for so long and he’s won Cups and done everything that you can do pretty much in the League,” Shea said. “Being around him and learning from him and his leadership was incredible.”

Why Crosby’s name still carries weight in 2025

Crosby, 37, remains a polarizing figure in hockey circles. Yet even rivals like Shea can’t ignore his résumé: three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, and a resume that spans two decades at the NHL’s highest level.

Shea’s comments underscore how Crosby’s reputation transcends team loyalties. The Penguins shipped him to Carolina in June 2025, a blockbuster move that reshaped the Eastern Conference. Now, Shea — a 2015 fourth-round pick out of Northeastern — joins McDavid’s core after logging 150 NHL games with nine goals and 32 assists.

How Shea’s move fits the Oilers’ Stanley Cup push

The Oilers made sweeping changes after their April Western Conference Quarterfinal exit. Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart were fired; Mike Babcock and D.J. Smith took over behind the bench. The club also traded Darnell Nurse to San Jose and added Frederik Andersen in net.

Shea’s arrival completes a defensive rebuild. The Oilers now boast a mix of youth (McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman) and experience (Andersen, Shea) as they chase their first championship since 2006.

“It’s awesome, honestly,” Shea said of playing with McDavid and Crosby. “My dad said when it’s all said and done, I get to say I played with guys that will probably go down as the top guys to ever play the sport.”

What’s next for Shea and the Oilers?

Training camp opens in September. Shea, who logged 39 games for Pittsburgh in 2024–25, will battle for a top-four role alongside veterans like Evan Bouchard and Brett Kulak.

For now, he’s soaking in the Oilers’ culture — one built on relentless offense and a hunger to erase decades of playoff frustration. And if Crosby’s shadow still looms large, Shea isn’t complaining.

“You can see the kind of culture those guys have built there,” he said. “I’m just really excited for it.”