While most of the big names have already been retained or have gotten blockbuster deals with their new teams, one name that has been popping up in recent trade talks is Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby. Currently, the rumors point to Montreal.
With the Montreal Canadiens on a run to rebuild their team and acquire superstars, many sources have claimed that the Penguins’ superstar would soon be ending his run with Pittsburgh. Some even thought that he would be retiring in Pittsburgh.
Will Sidney Crosby Leave the Pittsburgh Penguins?
Crosby has long been one of the franchise players for the Penguins, having been drafted No. 1 overall by the franchise back at the 2005 NHL Draft. Since then, Crosby has scored 625 goals and 1,062 assists across 1,352 regular-season games.
He was also part of the three championship-winning teams of the Penguins, who lifted the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017/ With these many accolades, it was understandable that the fans were distraught about potentially letting him go from the franchise.
Former player and NHL insider Nick Kypreos suggests he won’t be leaving anytime soon. In his tweet quoted him as saying, “Nick Kypreos: Re Sidney Crosby: ‘I don’t think he’s going anywhere for a while, but all bets are off after the Olympic Games.”
Nick Kypreos: Re Sidney Crosby: “I don’t think he’s going anywhere for a while but all bets are off after the Olympic Games” – Toronto Star
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 4, 2025
As Kypreos mentions, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be coming soon to St. Moritz. The IIHF has already named Crosby a member of Team Canada’s hockey team, so for the time being, he will be staying in Pittsburgh — but for how long?
What Are the Montreal Canadiens’ Chances of Landing Crosby?
Despite this, the Canadiens have continued to show their interest in acquiring the services of the Penguins’ center. Crosby is currently signed to a two-year, $17.4 million deal, which saw him get an average annual value of $8.7 million.
If the Canadiens are really interested in getting his services, then they will need to outbid the Penguins, which will be tough, seeing that the Montreal outfit is already $5.4 million over their salary cap. They don’t want to enter the new season with LTIR charges.
Beyond the salary cap situation, there is also the case that the Penguins have been struggling for the past few seasons when it comes to keeping their talent together. With them ending up seventh in the Metropolitan Division during the 2024-25 season, there is a chance that Crosby might want to leave.
The Penguins finished with a 34-36-12 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. This marks a significant decline for a franchise that made the playoffs 16 straight seasons from 2007 to 2022.
Kevin Weekes of the Inside Edge also pointed out that the new coach brought by the Penguins in the form of Dan Muse isn’t helping to keep Crosby in Pittsburgh. The coaching change came after Mike Sullivan’s departure following the team’s playoff miss.
For now, one thing is clear: ‘Sid the Kid’ won’t be making any decision until St. Moritz. The 37-year-old captain who turns 38 on August 7 has made it known that representing Canada at the Olympics remains a priority, and any major career decisions will likely wait until after the 2026 Games.
Crosby’s no-movement clause in his current contract gives him complete control over any potential trade, making his personal preference the deciding factor in where he might land if he chooses to leave Pittsburgh.
Honestly, what a desperate article. Why did I read this?
Lmao, you read it and then complaining why did I read as if anyone forced you?