Sidney Crosby: 'I just want to play'

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is getting sick of practice.

The 25-year-old center just wants to play hockey. He's been waiting for the end the NHL lockout, but now he might head to Europe to get some competitive games under his belt this season, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

"At the end of the day, I'm a hockey player and I love to play," Crosby said. "Don't get me wrong, I don't mind practicing but I've been practicing a lot for the last couple of years. I just want to play. If there's nothing really happening as far as getting a deal done, then it becomes much more important to play games and finding out where that makes sense."

Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, said Monday that his client is "seriously looking at his options in Europe," according to LeBrun. Brisson said he's going to explore Crosby's options over the next few days.

Crosby said he is "trying to still be optimistic," but "the process has been the most frustrating part."

The NHL and the Players Association will meet with mediators Wednesday and maybe Thursday, according to ESPN.

Crosby has been of the NHL's brightest stars since being drafted first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft. Crosby led the league in points (120) in 2006-07, but has dealt with injuries over the years.

Last year, Crosby battled back after a concussion. He played in just 22 games last season, amassing 37 points on the strength of eight goals and 29 assists.