The Pittsburgh Penguins face a crucial offseason, and the mood around Sidney Crosby says it all.
At the age of 37, Crosby has been the franchise’s key figure for years. However, a recent conversation with Josh Yohe of The Athletic hints at a new chapter.
Sidney Crosby’s Frustration Raises Questions About His Penguins Future
Appearing on the “Kaboly + Mack” podcast with Pittsburgh reporters Mark Kaboly and Chris Mack, Yohe shared how Crosby’s tone has shifted: “He’s not happy. I know he’s not.”
“He [Crosby] wasn’t trying to be rude, but there was an edginess to him that I haven’t sensed before,” Yohe explained. “I was actually asking him about the coaching search, and he just said, ‘I just want to win. I don’t care who the coach is, really. I’ll be happy with whoever. I just want to win.’ And I’ve never seen him quite like that.”
Big week ahead for the #LetsGoPens… how’s Sidney Crosby handling the idea of another down year?@JoshYohe_PGH joined us this week to talk about the entire offseason.
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🎧 https://t.co/C0fPDjUSNz@MarkKaboly… pic.twitter.com/hUBgFtPa4x— Kaboly+Mack (@KabolyAndMack) June 27, 2025
That line, delivered sharply, conveyed more meaning than a full paragraph ever could. Crosby has always been respectful and measured in interviews, but Yohe said there was a tension in the air, something brewing beneath the surface.
“I think it’s got to be tough on him. All the success he’s had, winners for so long in the latter stages of your career, to be on a team that’s frankly this bad right now,” Yohe added.
After missing the playoffs for three straight years, it’s no surprise Crosby is feeling frustrated. While he understands the highs and lows that come with professional sports, this rough stretch has clearly tested his patience.
“We all know that’s the cycle of things in sports, and hockey is no different, and he knows that. He understands it. I’m sure it’s hard for him, though,” Yohe said.
Is a Move to Montreal Possible for Crosby?
Speculation is building that Crosby could eventually consider a move, and Montreal is the team often mentioned. With strong roots in Quebec, Crosby has long been tied to the Canadiens in rumors.
If he ever became available, Montreal would likely offer future picks. But reports suggest young stars like Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovský would be off-limits.
Meanwhile, Crosby hasn’t been involved in key front-office decisions. When the Penguins hired Dan Muse to replace Mike Sullivan, Crosby was kept out of the loop.
“I don’t have any say in who our next coach is going to be,” he told The Athletic. “And I prefer it that way.”
Still, Crosby’s production hasn’t dipped. He wrapped up the 2024-25 season with 33 goals and 91 points over 80 games. He was also one of the first players named to Team Canada’s preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, alongside Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon.
With a new coach in place and Crosby still producing at an elite level, the Penguins hope to turn the page. But the pressure is real. This team is aging, and time is running out.
Crosby remains focused, but his remarks and body language suggest he’s growing weary. A departure once unthinkable may no longer be out of the question.
