Sidney Crosby isn’t going anywhere, at least not this summer. The speculation surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins captain can finally be put to rest after Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made his position crystal clear during a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast.
Will Sidney Crosby Really Stay With the Penguins for the 2025-26 Season?
The answer is a resounding yes. The 37-year-old superstar, who turns 38 this week, remains firmly entrenched in Pittsburgh’s 2025-26 campaign plans. According to Friedman, there’s “no doubt” that Crosby stays put, and his inclusion on the NHL’s preseason media tour list representing the Penguins confirms his ongoing role with the franchise.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Sidney Crosby: He’s gonna start the year with the Penguins, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that; he’s definitely not getting traded this summer – 32 Thoughts Podcast (8/3)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 4, 2025
Trade chatter had reached a fever pitch recently, particularly around the NHL Draft. Multiple reports suggested a possible reunion with the Montreal Canadiens, the team Crosby cheered for as a kid growing up in Nova Scotia. However, those romantic notions have been firmly dismissed for now.
The months of uncertainty that plagued Pittsburgh fans appear to be over. This summer, Crosby’s name repeatedly surfaced in trade discussions, primarily fueled by the Penguins’ three consecutive playoff misses and questions about whether their aging core could compete for another Stanley Cup.
But Friedman shut down those conversations with authority. “He’s not getting traded this summer,” he stated matter-of-factly during the podcast, ending speculation that had dominated hockey media for months.
How Does Sidney Crosby’s Production Still Stack Up at Age 37?
Father Time hasn’t caught up with Crosby yet. He wrapped up the 2024-25 season with 91 points in 80 games, which keeps him among the NHL’s premier players regardless of his birth certificate.
Those aren’t empty statistics either. Crosby continues reaching historic milestones, surpassing the 600-goal mark and 1,600 career points last season. He also broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for most seasons averaging at least a point per game, cementing his place among hockey’s all-time greats.
The contractual situation makes any potential move even more complicated. In September 2024, Crosby signed a two-year extension worth $17.4 million, including a full no-move clause. That deal runs through the 2026-27 season, giving him complete control over his destination.
Simply put, Crosby won’t be going anywhere unless he personally requests a trade. With training camp approaching, all signs point to him wearing the same black and gold uniform he’s donned since entering the league in 2005.
Friedman emphasized that only a dramatic shift in perspective from either Crosby or the organization could change this trajectory. So far, neither party has shown any indication of wanting to explore that option.
The Penguins still face significant decisions as they attempt to return to playoff contention, but their captain won’t be part of any trade scenarios. When the puck drops on opening night, expect to see No. 87 taking his familiar spot on Pittsburgh ice, exactly where he’s belonged for two decades.
