Crosby is set to earn $7.5 million in 2012-13 before his 12-year, $104.4 million contract kicks in next season.
Crosby's battle with concussions, which he last suffered two seasons ago, might also have an impact on the costly price tag. European teams interested in landing the Pens' captain during the work stoppage may not be ready to absorb the high price.
"That [projected cost] is pretty steep," Crosby told the Post-Gazette. "That's not something that's necessarily easy for a team, to pay that."
In the meantime, Crosby has been taking part in practices at South Pointe in Pittsburgh after spending several weeks in Vail, Colorado for a series of workouts with his personal trainer and close to 20 other NHL players.
In 22 games with the Penguins last season, Crosby collected eight goals and 29 assists for 37 points.
