The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to open the 2025-26 NHL season in opposition to the New York Rangers at Madison Sq. Backyard on Tuesday.
Though Pittsburgh is not anticipated to compete this season and is probably going just a few years away from having a aggressive roster, Penguins captain and franchise legend Sidney Crosby insisted in September that he would not wish to go anyplace. However, it has been speculated that Pittsburgh might method the 38-year-old about waiving his full no-movement clause, which might profit each him and the group.
Sidney Crosby can have ultimate say in potential commerce
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan revealed on Tuesday that “league sources consider the Penguins would by no means method Crosby to waive” the clause, as a substitute letting him resolve how he desires to finish his taking part in profession. The three-time Stanley Cup champion signed a two-year contract extension in September 2024 that runs by means of the 2026-27 season.
“A commerce must be Crosby-driven,” Kaplan wrote. “He would select the time, and he would select the vacation spot. The Penguins would want to get compensation they felt is honest. And all of it seemingly would go down quietly.”
Crosby was the topic of commerce rumors earlier than longtime agent Pat Brisson made it known he desires “Sidney to hopefully be within the playoffs yearly.” In the meantime, writers for The Athletic are amongst those that consider the rebuilding (or “tanking”) Penguins may very well be headed for a last-place end.
Fellow Penguins icon Evgeni Malkin also hinted in September that he might settle for a transfer to a contender earlier than the in-season commerce deadline arrives. Malkin is within the ultimate yr of his contract and is not anticipated to obtain an extension.
What motivates Sidney Crosby with Stanley Cup pursuit unlikely?
In line with Kaplan, Crosby “hasn’t significantly thought of a commerce thus far.” He lately mentioned what motivates him whereas being a part of a membership that will not be Stanley Cup contenders anytime quickly.
“As you play, in case you nonetheless have the fervour, I feel you discover various things that encourage you,” Crosby defined. “This yr is clearly an Olympic yr, so , that is a giant motivation. However so far as simply usually, I feel the motivation is simply to be my finest. You realize, no matter that’s, , no matter age and expectations, all that. I all the time simply attempt to be my finest, and that is sufficient for me.”
Whether or not that can be sufficient for Crosby if the 2025-26 Penguins show to be as unhealthy as many anticipate stays to be seen.
