Sidney Crosby’s legacy in Pittsburgh is one of the most iconic storylines in modern hockey—but as the 2025 season dawns, an unexpected storm is brewing behind the scenes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, once perennial contenders, are now deep in a full-scale rebuild, and all eyes are on General Manager Kyle Dubas and his vision for the future.

What does this mean for Crosby, the face of the franchise, who remains hungry for another shot at playoff glory?

In a tense atmosphere charged with speculation, Dubas has finally broken his silence, delivering a direct and uncompromising message about the team’s priorities.

His words have sent shockwaves through the hockey world, raising urgent questions about Crosby’s future in black and gold. Can the Penguins truly rebuild around their legendary captain, or is a seismic shift on the horizon?

Rumors swirl, media outlets buzz, and fans from Pittsburgh to Montreal are left hanging on every word. Is Dubas quietly preparing for a blockbuster move?

And if so, will Crosby be forced to make the toughest decision of his storied career? The answers may surprise you—and the next chapter in this saga could change the course of NHL history.

Apr 17, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) reacts after being named a star of the game against the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Sidney Crosby wants to take part in the NHL playoffs again, and we all know it. Ideally, he would like to do it in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform, a team that is in full rebuild mode.

It’s quite contradictory, and one has to wonder if the two can coexist.

I really wonder how this rebuild could be successful if the GM kept number 87 in his lineup. He is, in my opinion, his best piece to catalyze this rebuilding work.

Kyle Dubas will not take shortcuts just to please Sidney Crosby, in order to properly rebuild the Pittsburgh Penguins

It was obvious that Dubas was going to have to answer questions about Crosby and his plans for the club at the opening of the Pens’ training camp.

The GM was clear: there will be no shortcut to achieve his goals.

Crosby will therefore have to choose between his desire to win immediately or his desire to finish his career with the Penguins.

“We cannot alter our plans-that is, relying on him to help us become Stanley Cup contenders again-because of what various members of the media might wish regarding where Sidney should play.

We have to do everything that is appropriate for the Pittsburgh Penguins.”

Kyle Dubas

We’re starting to understand why Alain Crête recently mentioned (as a scoop) that the Penguins have been trying to trade Crosby for over a year.

Clearly, Kyle Dubas’ plan is not to please Crosby and accelerate the Penguins’ rebuild.

You can guess that things are really heating up right now in the Pittsburgh media.

A message to Sidney Crosby or to Montreal Canadiens fans?

Did Dubas’ statement just throw cold water on Montreal Canadiens fans?

In my opinion, nothing could be less certain.

In the same sentence, he says he wants to keep Crosby and do everything that is appropriate for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As I said earlier, the two do not go hand in hand.

Number 87 is the best piece to relaunch the Penguins, and Dubas knows it all too well. In my opinion, the message was not for Canadiens fans, but for Sid himself, to tell him that he is ready to accommodate him for the good of the Penguins.

But that will not happen until number 87 decides it.

At that moment, Kent Hughes and the Canadiens will be ready!

But that’s if he ever decides one day..