While many have downplayed the idea of a trade involving Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, the truth is that the franchise could do well kick-starting a full rebuild by moving its star players.
Experts such as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman didn't rule out a deadline trade but sounded skeptical about it, saying, “I’ve been shocked before, but that would really do it.”
Following Canada's win at the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Crosby teamed up with friend Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, TSN’s Carlo Colaiacovo and Bryan Hayes discussed the possibility of a potential reunion in Colorado.
"I’m not sure it happens before the trade deadline,” Hayes said when asked if Crosby could rethink his plans after "knowing what it's like to play with his buddy Nathan MacKinnon" during the 4 Nations. “It feels like an offseason move … if he's going to eventually come to that conclusion.”
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby looks on before a faceoff.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Crosby and MacKinnon have a well-documented friendship, both being former No. 1 overall picks from Nova Scotia and training together in the offseason since the younger of the two entered the NHL.
They joined forces for the first time on the Canadian team at the 4 Nations Face-Off, winning the championship last week against the United States.
With MacKinnon signed long-term in Colorado and Crosby signing a two-year, $17.4 million extension with Pittsburgh on Sept. 16, analysts have begun wondering if Crosby, whose Penguins are struggling, might seek a move to chase his fourth Stanley Cup.
“If (moving on from Pittsburgh) is in the back of your mind that you realize, ‘I don’t think I can finish this dance’ ... it’s gonna get worse before it gets better — and that’s likely what’s gonna happen in Pittsburgh — then get out,” Hayes said.
In January, Crosby dismissed talk of a potential move to the Avalanche after Colorado cleared cap space in a three-team deal.
“I don’t think that it’s something I’m going to discuss every time someone speculates something,” Crosby told DK Pittsburgh Sports. “I’m not going to answer it every time that happens.”
Crosby, 37, remains productive with 60 points in 58 games this season. The Penguins are second-to-last in the Eastern Conference with a 23-28-9 record.
