The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t keeping their garage sale in the City of Bridges a secret. The NHL has taken notice, but few transactions have actually taken place. As reports suggest that the Black and Yellow are hoping to part ways with a key teammate of Sidney Crosby, the lack of trade partners is becoming a growing concern.
The future isn’t looking bright in Pittsburgh. The forecast isn’t calling for fair weather come fall, and the Penguins are taking cover. It could get ugly real fast for them. Crosby will stand with them and give battle, but the lingering threat of #87’s exit is one that keeps fans in the Burgh up at night.
So far, so good—but it could all change in the blink of an eye. Pittsburgh isn’t exactly known for seismic activity, but if the day ever comes when Crosby skips town, the Penguins will definitely feel the ground tremble beneath their feet. That seems to be a concern for the future. Right now, the Pens have enough on their plates as it is.
As reports have indicated all summer, the Penguins have been searching for trade partners for Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. However, Erik Karlsson has also been tossed into the mix. Now, the latest buzz out of Pittsburgh suggests that netminder Tristan Jarry is on the trade block as well, but not many suitors have emerged—if any.
Tristan Jarry #35 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the first period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 07, 2023 in Anaheim, California.
“I’d still say there’s a 75%-80% chance [Jarry is] on this team on opening night. But the Penguins are certainly willing to move him,” insider Josh Yohe stated on The Athletic Hockey Show podcast. “I haven’t heard of any teams being interested.”
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End of the road
Nothing lasts forever—least of all success and life at the top of the NHL. The Penguins have certainly learned that lesson throughout their history, but this time, the falloff might hurt more than ever. Watching the core age and step away from the game has been heartbreaking for fans in Pittsburgh
As things stand, the future is uncertain—and full of terrors. Only one thing might ease the anxiety about tomorrow, and his name could be Gavin McKenna. However, landing the top prospect in the upcoming draft would require a painful journey—especially for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who is reportedly gearing up for his last dance in Steel City.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins warms up prior to Game Five of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Islanders at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 24, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“Even though it’s not official, this is Evgeni Malkin’s farewell tour,” Yohe firmly commented during his appearance on The Athletic’s podcast. Whether Malkin joins another team for the 2026–27 NHL season, returns to Russia, or retires altogether remains to be seen.
The price to pay
Amid the offseason frenzy in Pittsburgh, the Penguins are currently awaiting a resolution on their future ownership. Currently owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the keys to the organization could be changing hands. The potential new chief? None other than the franchise’s all-time points leader, Mario Lemieux. Well, Lemieux and an investment group, of course. The group is led by Lemieux, Ron Burkle, and David Morehouse.
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However, Fenway has no plans to sell the club, which they bought from Lemieux and company in 2021. Thus, the former owners would have to truly blow FSG’s socks off. Fenway originally purchased the franchise for $900 million, and despite the team’s declining results the value has reportedly only trended upwards.
According to insider Elliotte Friedman, Lemieux and company have some work to do to meet Fenway’s asking price. Friedman mentioned the Tampa Bay Lightning sold for $1.8 billion in 2024 and all signs indicate that’s more like Fenway’s intended price tag.
Mario Lemieux celebrates with Sidney Crosby #87 after their 3-1 victory to win the Stanley Cup against the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center on June 12, 2016 in San Jose, California
As made evident by the numbers, such a transaction won’t be completed overnight. Fans in Pittsburgh would be more than pleased to see Lemieux regain control of operations in town. After all, the Hall of Famer has become synonymous with silverware in the City of Bridges.
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‘Super Mario’ hoisted two Stanley Cups as a player for the Pens and three more as the club’s owner. It’s tough to stack up against such a pedigree. However, it doesn’t seem his trophy case will earn him any discounts at the checkout.
