Trade speculation swirling around Sidney Crosby has captured NHL fans’ attention as the Pittsburgh Penguins captain enters the twilight of his legendary career.
Despite having two years remaining on his contract and maintaining elite production at age 37, questions persist about whether Crosby might pursue one final Stanley Cup run elsewhere.
The possibility of joining his friend Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado sparked particular excitement until MacKinnon himself definitively shut down the rumors.
MacKinnon Shuts Down Crosby-to-Avalanche Buzz With “Fake News” Comment
The speculation reached fever pitch when former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque suggested Crosby could leave Pittsburgh for a legitimate contender like the Colorado Avalanche. The 37-year-old center, who turns 38 on Aug. 7, has become the subject of intense trade chatter as the Penguins struggle to remain competitive.
Laraque’s suggestion gained immediate traction, particularly after the popular hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets reposted the rumor on Instagram. The post quickly went viral among hockey fans eager for a potential blockbuster move.
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However, Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon quickly extinguished the speculation with a sharp, two-word comment: “Fake news.” His response was clear, direct, and carried significant weight coming from Crosby’s longtime friend and fellow Nova Scotian.
MacKinnon’s dismissal effectively halted much of the buzz surrounding a potential trade. As someone who would certainly know if such a blockbuster move was in the works, his word carried immediate credibility among fans and media alike.
Crosby’s Current Situation and Future With Pittsburgh
Despite the swirling rumors, Crosby remains firmly under contract with the Penguins for two more seasons at a cap hit of $8.7 million per year. His on-ice performance continues to defy his age, as he recorded 33 goals and 58 assists for 91 points in the 2024-25 NHL season while appearing in 80 of 82 games.
Such durability and consistency are remarkable for any player, let alone one approaching 40. Nevertheless, the Penguins’ recent struggles have fueled legitimate questions about Crosby’s future. Pittsburgh hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2022 and has managed only 72 wins across the last two seasons, a stark decline for a franchise accustomed to championship contention.
This reality has led some to wonder whether Crosby, who has always prioritized team success above individual accolades, might be tempted to chase one final Stanley Cup with a contender.
The Avalanche, fresh off their 2022 Stanley Cup victory and still positioned as championship contenders, represented a logical destination in the minds of many fans and pundits. The prospect of Crosby joining forces with MacKinnon, creating a formidable one-two punch at center, captured imaginations across the hockey world.
Yet the truth appears far simpler than speculation suggests. Crosby has never publicly expressed any desire to leave the only NHL team he’s ever known. Selected first overall by the Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft, he has become synonymous with the franchise, leading them to three Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017. His identity is inextricably linked with Pittsburgh hockey.
Furthermore, Crosby’s actions speak louder than any trade rumors. His decision to sign a two-year extension in September 2024, keeping him in Pittsburgh through the 2026-27 season, demonstrated his continued commitment to the organization. The contract, which maintains his signature $8.7 million annual cap hit, suggests he’s willing to see through the team’s current transitional phase rather than seek greener pastures elsewhere.
While MacKinnon’s comment may have been brief, it effectively ended this latest round of speculation. Trade rumors will inevitably continue as long as the Penguins struggle and Crosby maintains his elite level of play. However, there’s no substantial evidence suggesting he’ll wear any jersey other than Pittsburgh’s black and gold before his illustrious career concludes.
