Hopeful Sidney Crosby says he's free of concussion symptoms

The broken jaw that Sidney Crosby suffered last season had an important upside. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photos) By Allan Muir Despite dealing with multiple

The broken jaw that Sidney Crosby suffered last season had an important upside. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photos)

By Allan Muir

Despite dealing with multiple instances of head trauma over the past few seasons, Sidney Crosby says he's entering this season symptom-free and is ready to build on the promise of his abridged 2013 campaign.

Crosby, appearing on CBC's The National, told host Peter Mansbridge that he's feeling good now, but admitted to past thoughts that his Hall of Fame-worthy career might be cut short.

"It crosses your mind," Crosby said. "I think when you're not able to do your everyday things, let alone be a professional athlete, be at that level you need to be at -- I mean, that seems like it's miles away. So yeah, absolutely that crosses your mind. I'd be lying if I said it didn't."

The Pittsburgh Penguins star said the late-season jaw injury that derailed his quest for the Hart Trophy provided clues that his concussion issues were in the past.

"The shot to the face was probably the biggest test," he said. "I remember that first week, you're pretty sore obviously where you got hit, but you're just kind of hoping that you're not getting any severe headaches or dizziness."

Asked by Mansbridge if there were any concussion issues after the injury, Crosby replied,

"No, it was great. Other than just the jaw."

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