"If Sidney Crosby's vexing concussion problems force him to retire, the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar is in line for a $20-million payday, thanks to a permanent disability insurance contract he purchased several years ago.

Crosby, 24, is among the many high-profile and highly paid NHL players who have extensive insurance policies to complement their existing playing contracts.

NHL players still receive their paychecks if they're forced out of the lineup with injuries sustained during games or practices. But off-ice insurance policies provide a financial cushion for players in case they are injured away from the rink. "