Sidney Crosby might travel with team - ESPN

PITTSBURGH -- Sidney Crosby still hasn't been cleared for contact in practice but he may possibly join the Pittsburgh Penguins for their trip to Western Canada to open the regular season next week.

"We will see how he is feeling and doing after the weekend," Penguins general manager Ray Shero told ESPN.com on Thursday.

Crosby practiced with his teammates again Thursday but wore a white helmet signifying his non-contact status. But he has been participating in controlled scrimmages.

The point of Crosby joining his team on the road trip would be so he can continue to practice with the team.

"Obviously I'd love to go, but it's something I'll talk to (coach) Dan (Bylsma) and everyone involved to make sure that whatever it is I end up doing -- that's best for everyone,'' Crosby told reporters in Pittsburgh. "That's a discussion we'll have here pretty soon, but I enjoy being around the team and would like to be there.

"It's more just staying in shape, timing and stuff like that. I'd like to keep that going. I'd love to keep that as consistent as possible. We'll see how things go, but the more I can do that the better it'll be as far as adjusting."

The Penguins open the season at Stanley Cup finalist Vancouver on Oct. 6, then travel to Calgary and Edmonton for back-to-back games before returning home to host Florida on Oct. 11.