It was revealed Friday that Sidney Crosby had a setback in his recovery process from his concussion. Crosby has been sidelined with a concussion since January 5,2011 when he took his second hit to the head in a matter of a couple of days. Crosby had been skating with his teammates on off-day practices and during morning skates. Crosby stopped skating with his teammates midway through the Penguins series with the Lightning because of concussion related symptoms.

There were reports earlier in the year that Crosby was considering retirement. However, Crosby and his agent quickly put those rumors to the rest. But one now has to wonder if Crosby will be fully healthy next season. In a press conference held on Friday at Consol Energy Center, Crosby said, “he was optimistic to be fully healthy to start next season.” Sidney Crosby was originally injured during the NHL Winter Classic held in Pittsburgh this year. Late in the second period Crosby took a blindside hit from then Washington forward David Steckel. Steckel caught Crosby’s head with an elbow in an awkward way. Crosby hit the ice, and he was slow to get up. Crosby played one shift after that hit. Prior to the game against Tampa Bay on January 5th, he had some symptoms, but he was cleared to play against the Lightning. During that game Crosby took another hit to the head when he was hit against the boards. He left the game not to return. Crosby has not played since that game. There are some who are wondering if he will return next season.

There were reports that he would be out to for only two months, and that he would return for the end of the regular season enabling him to the start of the playoffs. However, that was not the case. He was having concussion related symptoms for several months after the injury happened. Prior to the end of the regular season, Crosby was symptom free and he started to skate on his own. He would start to skate with his teammates just during morning skates, but was not cleared for contact drills. To make matters worse for the team Evegni Malkin was sidelined the rest of the year with season ending knee surgery. Crosby knew along with head coach Dan Bylsma that he would not be returning this year even though Crosby was doing his best off the ice to stay in condition. There was always the slight chance of a return. Throughout the playoffs Dan Bylsma reiterated that Sidney Crosby was not close to returning.

What does the future hold for Sidney Crosby? Only time and his body will tell. For the game of hockey’s sake hopefully he can come back and play. While many people do not like him, they have to respect his ability as a hockey player and his want to improve his skills every year.