Whereas players like the Colorado Avalanche's
Mikko Rantanen and Edmonton Oilers star
Connor McDavid have more defined futures with their respective teams, as free agents in 2025 and 2026, respectively, the situation regarding Sidney Crosby is not quite as black-and-white. Rantanen was a key member of a former Stanley Cup-winning team and McDavid leads a consistent contender. For his part, Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crossroads.