The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into another offseason full of questions, and once again, Sidney Crosby’s name is in the middle of it.
Despite public outcry against the idea of trading their longtime captain, recent reports suggest the possibility isn’t entirely off the table. According to NHL insiders Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman, a Crosby trade could become more realistic if the Penguins struggle early in the 2025 season.
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Crosby, now 37, has been the face of the franchise for nearly two decades and helped lead Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cups. But with the team stuck in a rough patch and no clear path back to contention, the front office might be forced to consider dramatic changes.
So far this summer, the Penguins haven’t done much to improve the roster. Limited cap space and a thin group of tradable assets have made it tough to improve, and the reality is sinking in that this group may not be close to competing.
While Crosby hasn’t publicly said he wants out, many around the league believe he still wants another shot at a championship. If Pittsburgh starts slowly again this season, it’s possible he could consider waiving his no-movement clause to join a contender.
A move would be a massive shift for the Penguins and their fans, but at this stage of his career, Crosby may want to finish with a team that has a real chance to win.
Crosby played 80 games last season, and finished with 91 points. He has played 80+ games for three straight seasons and picked up 90+ each season. Crosby’s best season came in 2013-14 when he picked up 104 total points. That was his rookie season.
The situation is far from settled, but for the first time in years, the idea of Sidney Crosby leaving Pittsburgh doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
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