Penguins center Sidney Crosby joined teammates for informal workouts at Southpointe on Tuesday and is hopeful a work stoppage will be avoided.

The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement expires on Sept. 15.

“I don’t even want to think about a lockout,” Crosby said. “I want to play.”

Crosby said he will consider playing overseas if a long lockout ensues.

“Nothing is set on stone,” Crosby said. “I don’t have a deal with anyone. But I would consider it. I want to play hockey. Ideally, I’ll be doing that here.”

Crosby also commented on the events of this summer, including his new 12-year deal.

“I love it here,” he said. “I wanted to be here and because of all the (labor) uncertainty, wanted to get it done when we did.”

Crosby looks in supreme condition. He worked out in Canada and Los Angeles this summer. He has missed more than 100 games the past two seasons because of concussion problems.

“I feel great now,” he said. “Being able to work out for a full summer has been big for me. I’m ready to go.”

This article was written by Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE.