NHL Trade Rumors: Insiders Believe Sidney Crosby Could Be Traded After Olympics
If the Pittsburgh Penguins struggle next season and are out of the Stanley Cup Playoff picture a few weeks before the trade deadline, look for Kyle Dubas to explore trading captain Sidney Crosby. This according to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman.
Nick Kypreos: I am now more in the belief that Sidney Crosby will be traded; if they're really bad, the likelihood he's traded after the Olympics grows
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 12, 2025
Elliotte Friedman: I've wondered about that; I completely agree with you; the only one thing people argue with me about is,…
Both insiders feel there's a legitimate shot those conversations pick up in a major way if the Penguins are out of it after the Olympic break. Crosby absolutely hates talking about anything to do with playing hockey outside of Pittsburgh, but the reality is Evgeni Malkin has already been made aware he won't be re-signed, and if Dubas and company can get their hands on top prospect Gavin McKenna, they'll be entertaining just about every trade offer.
Right now, the likes of Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, Ryan Graves, Erik Karlsson, and Tristan Jarry are on the trade market. There's been a ton of interest in Rust and Rakell, and those two certainly could be dealt before training cap, meanwhile Dubas will need to retain some of Karlsson's money in order to have a time bite.
As for Crosby, if he's ever going to play hockey outside of Pittsburgh, the only two teams that stand a chance are the Colorado Avalanche, and the heavy favourite Montreal Canadiens. Crosby could live out a childhood dream dressing for the Habs. The future hall of famer has two seasons left on his contract at of course, $8.7 million AAV, and holds a no-movement clause, so he has all the say in the matter.
It's quite early to speculate the return on what a trade would look like, but there's a very good chance it would include a 2026 first and second-round draft pick, and a collection of players from the likes of Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, Kaiden Guhle, Jacob Fowler, and David Reinbacher.
For now, it's quiet on the Crosby trade front, but keep an eye on the Penguins and where they sit in the standings around the Olympic break next spring.
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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