For the first time in a long time, the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking the back seat going into an NHL season. It’s uncharted territory for Sidney Crosby and company, as they had grown used to competing for the Stanley Cup yearly. Times have changed, to say the least—and the Pens may not have even seen half of it.
It’s no secret the Penguins have set their sights on the future rather than the present. Looking to increase their draft capital and hopefully win the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes, there isn’t much in it for Pittsburgh in the 2025-26 NHL campaign.
Of course, that’s not how Crosby feels. Set to enter the new season at 38 years old, the veteran center isn’t eager to let a full year simply slip away. Perhaps, aside from his loyalty, what’s keeping him in Pittsburgh is the possibility that this might be Evgeni Malkin’s final year with the team—or even in the league. Still, the frenzy of departures and the apparent garage sale in the City of Bridges is one that makes Crosby increasingly anxious.
On that note, reports indicate the Penguins could be gearing up to shuffle the roster with big moves right before the start of the new season. If that’s the case, it could spell bad news for Crosby’s time as a Penguin—potentially accelerating the wear and tear on the relationship. That is, of course, unless he’s in the room when those calls are made.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins waits on the ice during the National Anthem before his team takes on the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL Winter Classic at the Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Orchard Park, New York.
“A big trade or two feels likely before training camp,” The Athletic’s Josh Yohe commented on the Penguins’ situation. “Dubas hasn’t received offers that meet his liking yet, but he is fully committed to a rebuild.”
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No turning back now
The Penguins have made their stance clear—this isn’t the right time to compete in the NHL. Sometimes, waving the white flag early is a path to success, or so Pittsburgh believes.
The roster is missing key pieces on virtually every line, and languishing at the bottom might not be the end of the world. After all, it could guide the Black and Yellow straight to McKenna—and there’s no player the organization would rather have in its ranks as Crosby’s time nears its end.
It’s a sensitive topic to bring up in The Burgh, but it must be addressed. Someone will have to inherit Crosby’s throne once he hangs up the skates. It won’t be this year, or the next, or perhaps even the year after that—but eventually, the day will come, and the Penguins must be ready.
Erik Karlsson #65 of Team Sweden skates during the second period against Team Canada in the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Team Canada defeated Team Sweden 4-3 in overtime.
Is Toronto lurking?
The Penguins have three main assets they’re openly willing to deal: Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and—last but certainly not least—Erik Karlsson. The first two are being promoted out in the open, but Karlsson is more like a secret item on the menu that NHL teams can sit and quietly discuss with Pittsburgh. That is, of course, after they’re reminded—repeatedly—that Crosby isn’t available, no matter who asks or what’s offered. As for Rust and Rakell, reports suggest the Maple Leafs could be interested.
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“Treliving may still be hunting for a more impactful addition,” Sportsnet’s Sonny Sachdeva said. “Either Rust or Rakell could slot in as a top-six piece with a bit more scoring pedigree, pushing one of the other recent additions into a needed depth role.“
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It makes sense for Toronto. At the end of the day, they have some cap space to work with and an urging need for lethal goal-scorers after Mitch Marner walked out the exit door. It might all come down to Kyle Dubas and how willing he is to toss a lifeguard to his former organization in times of desperation.
