Sidney Crosby issues warning to Pens GM Kyle Dubas!

For the first time since rumours emerged that Sidney Crosby could perhaps play for a team other than the Pittsburgh Penguins, his agent Pat Brisson talked about the possibility of his client leaving the Pens to join the Montreal Canadiens, his favorite NHL team from his childhood. The captain himself also brushed on the possibility in an interview with Pierre LeBrun.

“I get it,” Crosby said. “Trust me, growing up a Montreal fan and being from not too far from there, I understand how passionate (the fans) are. You know whether it’s those experiences or guys that I’ve played with that have played there, or playing there in the playoffs or 4 Nations — all these different things — I get it.”

“If it ever came to that point, I would discuss it, but I don’t feel like I’m there,” he added about the possibility of a trade.

Despite the comments and statements, most insiders, especially out of Pittsburgh refuse to believe Crosby will be traded ahead of the March 6 deadline in 2026. However, when it comes to the summer of 2026 when his teammate and close friend Evgeni Malkin’s deal comes to an end and buddy and defenseman Kris Letang loses his his full no-movement clause in the first year of his contract, there is a chance that Crosby could be on his way out.

Dan Kingerski just explained how Crosby could accept to be traded after the upcoming season:

“What happens if or when the losses mount, Malkin retires, and it is time for Letang to go, as well?

Even the greatest party ends.

Next summer is when the magnitude of his future–getting ever shorter–will land with Crosby. Next summer, he will have one year left on his contract, the Penguins’ future will be much clearer (or cloudier), and Crosby will know both if the revival is close enough to stay or if he can tolerate the process.”

Kingerski goes further, claiming that “Crosby essentially served Dubas a fair warning.”

While general manager Kyle Dubas has been focused on the long-term future of the franchise, the pressure of potentially losing Crosby, the face of the Penguins and the one that sells ticket, could have the GM face a change of plans. He could instead be after players who are already NHL-ready and focused on the still-open championship window around Crosby, while also injecting youth into the lineup.

There are also changes coming to the Penguins’ ownership group, and they’re the ones who hired Dubas in the first place. Could the new owners look to back Crosby until he retires and let go of Dubas to focus on a win-now mentality? Who knows…

“Would new owners instruct Dubas to keep Crosby happy–pushing to get back to the playoffs posthaste–thus indirectly changing the course of … everything? asked Kingerski.

One thing that is clear is that Crosby will be the one making the call. In the meantime, he may also issue warning to his GM and lead the way to a return in the postseason.