NHL Star Sidney Crosby Still Suffering from Post-Concussion Symptoms This Summer

Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby, one of our generation's best players and the face of the NHL, has suffered from post-concussion symptoms this summer, according to team general manager Ray Shero via ESPN.

"

"I think he has had some symptoms on and off depending on how hard he's pushed himself, and he has pushed himself pretty hard this summer, which is the good news," Shero told reporters Monday. "I think he has progressed really well this summer. He's happy with his progress."

"

Crosby has not played in an NHL game since January 5, after suffering two concussions in the span of one week.

Shero does not know how fit Crosby will be when training camp opens next month, but said he will continue to train.

Penguins fans, and the league as a whole, have much concern over Crosby's ability to have an injury-free career following this battle with concussion symptoms.

It's clear that the Penguins are taking the process with the utmost caution, and will not push Crosby to be ready by a certain point.

Shero had the following to say about Crosby's return.

"

"The thing for me and for the organization is the bigger picture with Sidney Crosby, making sure that he is 100 percent cleared and ready to play when he does come back.

"He's not going to be pushed to come back to practice or play. I want to make sure a year from now, three years from now, five years from now that he's still the best player in the league and take the appropriate steps and back him, and go from there."

"

The Boston Bruins are going through a similar issue with center Marc Savard, who is the team's best playmaker.

Savard was viciously checked by Penguins forward Matt Cooke in March of 2010, has played sparingly since and is still having concussion symptoms.

Savard's best choice may be to retire, protecting his long-term health and well-being.

The NHL has had a serious concussion problem for a few years now, and there have been rule changes to limit the aggressiveness of the game slightly in order to prevent the frequency of concussions.

The NFL had major issues with concussions last season, so the issue is not solely a hockey matter.

Crosby represents the NHL's worst fear: losing a face of the sport due to a concussion and its symptoms.

Crosby's situation does not appear as serious as Savard's, but when he does return to the ice, how good will he be?

He will certainly be less aggressive and more passive on the ice, which is how any player with concussion issues would play.

The Penguins coped very well without Crosby and fellow center Evgeni Malkin, who injured his knee and needed surgery, last season.

With Malkin back, the Penguins will make the playoffs and remain a top team, so there is no need to rush Crosby back.

Crosby is an all-time great player, and his importance to the league, the Penguins and the sport is too great to be taken lightly.

If it takes a year to recover, so be it. Crosby has much more of his amazing career to play.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for NHL news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35