Sidney Crosby delivers sneaky ultimatum to the Penguins

The 2025-26 season is just around the corner and the trade rumours surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby are not expected to die down. Earlier this month, the Pens superstar commented how he could understand why recent speculation had linked him to the Montreal Canadiens, his favorite NHL team from his childhood. His agent, Pat Brisson, also made comments that only fuelled rumours, claiming that a trade always remained a possibility for any player in the NHL.

“Well, it’s a reality,” Brisson told Pierre LeBrun. “First of all, he’s been so consistent for 20 years. He had another great year last season. He just keeps going. The comparison is Tom Brady. We want Sidney to hopefully be in the playoffs every year. We want him to hopefully win another Cup or two. So each year the team that he’s playing for fails to make the playoffs, it creates a lot of speculation. In reality, he’s not getting any younger. We’re here to support him. It’s the beginning of the season here. Let’s see how things are going. Hopefully they have a great season and the speculation will go away.”

When team insider Josh Yohe shared his latest mailbag on the Penguins’ upcoming seasons and objectives, several fans asked about Sid being on the move. Yohe however revealed in one answer that he believes Brisson’s comments were in a way an attempt to warn general manager Kyle Dubas

to not trade Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

“Pat Brisson said plenty of interesting things during his interview with Pierre LeBrun . I sense that Brisson probably would have handled some things differently if he could turn back time. But I also think Brisson will be very unhappy if the Penguins trade Rakell or Rust.

I don’t think there’s much question that Sidney Crosby won’t be thrilled if either of his wingers leaves town.

It’s a good thing Kyle Dubas makes the big bucks because he has some interesting decisions to make. Dubas works for the Penguins, not for Brisson, so I believe he will act accordingly. But still, no one wants to make Crosby unhappy. It’s not an easy situation for anyone.”

But Yohe remains realistic. He answers to another fan that further traction on any of Rust, Raks or Erik Karlsson rumours is expected as soon as the season opener gets underway.

“Those talks aren’t going away. Dubas has made it clear that he’s open for business.”

Yohe however holds out hope that not only Crosby, but teammate Evgeni Malkin, will end the year in Pittsburgh.

“Crosby, in my opinion, isn’t going anywhere, despite the recent comments from Brisson.

I’d also be surprised if Evgeni Malkin were to be dealt. It’s possible. Malkin’s comments last week were very interesting. He was pretty vulnerable in discussing the reality that he isn’t quite sure what he’ll do if another team comes calling.”

This could be a pivotal year for the Penguins, the end of an era. But it sure looks like Crosby and his agent Brisson are doing whatever they can to keep some of the control.