Sidney Crosby isn’t going anywhere, and that’s exactly how he wants it.
The Penguins captain signed a two-year extension last September that’ll keep him in Pittsburgh through 2027. But with the team missing the playoffs for three straight years and bringing in rookie head coach Dan Muse, trade rumors have started swirling around the franchise icon.
Don’t bet on it happening.
“It’s all about loyalty for him,” says Josh Yohe of The Athletic, who’s covered the Penguins for years. When Crosby was negotiating his extension last year, team insiders weren’t worried at all. Their simple response? “Nope, none at all. He’s a Penguin.”
That’s been true since 2005, when a fresh-faced 18-year-old Crosby first pulled on that black and gold jersey.
Now 37, Sid the Kid has become the face of Pittsburgh hockey. He’s brought three Stanley Cups to the city and established himself as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Times are tough for the Penguins right now. They’re +600 underdogs just to make the playoffs next season, and new GM Kyle Dubas is looking to trade veterans Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as part of a rebuild.
Some might expect Crosby to chase one more ring with a contender. After all, that’s what aging superstars often do.
But Crosby isn’t most players.
“He’s a Pittsburgher,” Yohe explains. “Twenty years out of the 37 in which he’s walked this planet have been as a member of the Penguins. He’s happy here.”
Sure, he’d love to see Dubas make some moves to improve the team right away. And yes, things could change if the Penguins really struggle under their rookie coach Muse.
But for now, Crosby’s staying put. As Yohe puts it: “He deserves to live his life on his terms. And he wants to live his life being the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
