Three straight playoff misses haven’t changed the Pittsburgh Penguins’ stance on Sidney Crosby’s future. Despite speculation swirling once again, general manager Kyle Dubas made it clear following the 2025 NHL Draft: the franchise icon isn’t going anywhere.
The Penguins, whose golden era delivered three Stanley Cups between 2009 and 2017, have seen much of their core move on. Yet Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain—aging stars still performing at a high level, even as the team struggles to stay competitive.
Still, their names inevitably surface in trade rumors, particularly Crosby’s. Many across the hockey world would love to see the 37-year-old chase one more Cup elsewhere. But Pittsburgh’s front office continues to resist that idea.
Dubas’ firm message
Speaking after the draft’s opening round on Friday, Dubas reaffirmed the Penguins’ position in an interview with NHL.com’s Wes Crosby. “There’s no change at all to anything from our perspective,” Dubas stated. “Everything that we’re doing is about bringing the team back to being a contending team and our hope is to sure do that while Sid is a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on January 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
That public vote of confidence comes as the team prepares for what could be Evgeni Malkin’s final season in Pittsburgh. The 38-year-old is expected to part ways with the club after the 2025–26 campaign, leaving Crosby as the last remaining piece of the team’s legendary core.
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Crosby still delivering at elite level
Though no longer in his physical prime, Crosby remains a top-tier playmaker. He played 80 games in 2024–25 and recorded 91 points, proving he can still carry a line and drive offensive production at age 37.
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Now the pressure falls squarely on Dubas and the Penguins’ front office to retool the roster around him. If they want to make one last playoff push with their longtime captain, the time to act is now.
