Earlier this month, the Penguins moved forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, starting speculation that more trades were headed to Pittsburgh.
While general manager Kyle Dubas has steered away from calling it a rebuild, some say once he does, captain Sidney Crosby might request a trade to a contender.
Crosby remains intensely loyal to the Penguins after signing a two-year contract extension just months ago, but many believe he's earned the right to join a championship-caliber team and chase his fourth Stanley Cup before retiring.
On NHL Network, insider Kevin Weekes made the pot stir by suggesting where Crosby might want to land if he ever requested a trade.
And no, it wasn't the Colorado Avalanche, a usual suspect because of his friendship with Nathan MacKinnon.
Instead, Weekes used the Nashville Predators.
The Predators were one of the biggest offseason movers, adding stars such as Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault.
However, with a core that features Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros, Nashville has struggled out of the gate to a 6-11-3 record.
The issue for the Predators, according to Weekes, is a lack of an elite center, something Crosby would alleviate immediately.
Still, a trade is highly improbable.
Crosby and Pittsburgh are deeply invested with one another, and the Penguins aren't moving their franchise icon anytime soon.
Additionally, the cost of landing Crosby would be prohibitively expensive.
For now, Weekes' scenario remains just a pipe dream.
POLL | ||
Will Sidney Crosby ever be traded? | ||
Yes | 20 | 22.2 % |
No | 70 | 77.8 % |
List of polls |