As the Pittsburgh Penguins approach a new NHL season clouded by uncertainty, the future of their longtime captain, Sidney Crosby, has become the subject of intense speculation.

With the team missing the playoffs for three consecutive years—a first in Crosby’s illustrious career—rumors of a blockbuster trade have taken on a life of their own.

Could the unthinkable happen? Might Crosby, the face of the franchise, seek one last shot at glory elsewhere, perhaps alongside his close friend Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado?

Yet, just as the whispers of a possible trade reach a fever pitch, a new twist emerges. NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman has weighed in, offering fresh insight that may calm some nerves—but not all questions are answered.

Meanwhile, the Penguins face even more upheaval, with other core players like Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson rumored to be on the trading block, and the legendary Evgeni Malkin possibly skating in his final season.

What does the future truly hold for Crosby and the Penguins? Will this season mark the end of an era, or the beginning of something unexpected?

The answers are as intriguing as the speculation itself—and fans won’t want to miss what happens next.

Penguins' Sidney Crosby in game action

Photo credit: Newsweek

NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman has the latest on the immediate future of Sidney Crosby with the Pittsburgh Penguins amidst potential trade speculation heading into the new year.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last 3 years, marking the longest drought in the career of longtime captain Sidney Crosby.

Though it may seem unthinkable to see Crosby wearing the sweater of another NHL team, he’s been heavily involved in trade speculation as many fans and analysts believe he could choose to try and chase 1 last Stanley Cup with good friend Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado before his Hall of Fame career comes to an inevitable end.

But for Penguins fans who are worried about a potential immediate trade of Crosby, they apparently needn’t be.

Per NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman on his latest ’32 Thoughts’ podcast, Crosby isn’t going to be traded, at least not this summer.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Sidney Crosby: He’s gonna start the year with the Penguins, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that; he’s definitely not getting traded this summer – 32 Thoughts Podcast (8/3)

The Penguins aren’t expected to realistically compete for a postseason spot this year and could be seeing trades in the near future of players like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, and even defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Evgeni Malkin is expected to retire after 2025-26

While speculation continues to surround Crosby about his future plans with the Penguins, one player that is likely going to be calling it a career after this season is his longtime teammate, Evgeni Malkin.

Malkin is entering the final year of his contract and by all indications, the Penguins won’t offer him another one.

While Crosby’s career is eventually going to be winding down, it looks like this could be the last chance for Penguins fans to see Malkin play in person while wearing a Pittsburgh sweater.