Rumors surrounding Sidney Crosby’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins didn’t take long to explode after they got booted out of the playoffs.
With Kyle Dubas focused on a longer-term vision for the franchise and Crosby entering the final year of his contract in 2026-27, speculation quickly started building around whether the Penguins legend could eventually finish his career somewhere else.
Teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens were immediately tossed around as possible destinations on the off chance… you know.
But now, Wayne Gretzky has stepped in with a strong message about Crosby’s future, and it sounds like he believes the Penguins captain is far from done.
Wayne Gretzky Gives His Opinion on Sidney Crosby’s Future
After the Penguins were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, Crosby did not spend much time resting. He quickly traveled to Switzerland to link up with Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
Serving as an alternate captain, Crosby immediately made his presence felt alongside rising star Macklin Celebrini. He recorded four assists in a 5-1 win over Denmark and once again showed he can still dominate at the highest level.
That performance only added to Gretzky’s belief that Crosby has plenty left in the tank.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show about Crosby’s future, Gretzky compared the Penguins captain to some of the greatest athletes known for their longevity in their respective sports. “He wants to continue. And listen, he’s our Tom Brady. He’s our LeBron James. A guy that can still bring it at an older age,” Gretzky said.
The hockey icon then shared a memorable story from Crosby’s teenage years, long before he became the face of the NHL.
Gretzky recalled attending a development camp in California featuring top draft prospects when one player instantly stood out above everyone else, despite being far younger than the rest.
“I said, ‘Who’s that little guy out there? He’s the best player out there. He goes,’That’s Crosby.’ He’s only 14. I got my equipment the next day and said, ‘I’m going on the ice with him.’ So I jumped on the ice with the kids the next day. I wanted to skate with him because he was that good,” Gretzky said.
The biggest takeaway from Gretzky’s comments was not simply praise for Crosby’s talent, but his belief that the Penguins captain should continue playing for as long as he still loves the game. “Make them tear that jersey off you,” were Gretzky’s exact words.
It sounded less like casual advice and more like a direct endorsement of Crosby continuing his career in Pittsburgh for several more years.
Gretzky understands better than almost anyone what it means to walk away from the sport. He openly admitted that retired players never truly stop missing the game.
“Once you quit, it’s all done,” Gretzky explained. “People say to me all the time, do you miss the game? I’m like, of course I miss the game. The problem is I can’t play the game anymore. If I could play, I’d be out there.”
What makes the conversation even more remarkable is that Crosby is not simply hanging around based on reputation alone. He is still producing at a star level.
The veteran center finished the season with 29 goals and 74 points in 68 games while helping guide the Penguins back into playoff contention for the first time since 2022.
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For now, Gretzky’s message is clear: don’t expect Sidney Crosby to walk away anytime soon. As long as he can still compete at an elite level, he appears committed to staying with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
