The Penguins are having a disastrous year in Pittsburgh, sitting at 8-12-4 with a league-worst -33 goal differential. The defense is porous, and the aging core just can't outscore its problems.
Leading scorers Evgeni Malkin (age 38) and Sidney Crosby (age 37) remain exceptional but can't carry the team alone.
On the blue line, Kris Letang (age 37) and Erik Karlsson (age 34) aren't enough to stabilize the team. Quite frankly, the Penguins are old and struggling.
It's clear to many fans that Pittsburgh needs a rebuild. GM Kyle Dubas' decisions haven't worked, sound familiar, Leafs fans? And rumors suggest head coach Mike Sullivan could be on the chopping block.
While firing Sullivan might be a start, fans believe drastic steps are needed. The consensus online? Tear it all down. Trade veterans like Malkin, Letang, Karlsson, and even Crosby to kickstart a rebuild.
Crosby's future is, of course, the hottest of hot topics. Penguins insider Josh Yohe threw out wild speculation that Crosby might waive his no-move clause for the Vancouver Canucks, noting Crosby's strong relationships with Rick Tocchet, Jim Rutherford, and Patrik Allvin.
Just dream of Crosby sandwiched between Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser on the Canucks' power play.
Another fascinating destination? The Washington Capitals. Crosby in Caps red, playing alongside Alex Ovechkin? That would be the ultimate plot twist in NHL history.
Whatever the path forward, it's clear the Penguins need bold action to regain relevance.
POLL | ||
Will Sidney Crosby be traded to the Vancouver Canucks? | ||
Yes | 34 | 17.7 % |
No | 158 | 82.3 % |
List of polls |