As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare for a rebuild, the potential trade of Sidney Crosby in 2025 has become a major topic of discussion. General manager Kyle Dubas may consider moving Crosby, who holds a no-trade clause and will have the final say on his destination, either late this summer or at the trade deadline. The idea revolves around Crosby joining a team that offers him a strong chance at competing for another Stanley Cup.
Although Crosby’s loyalty to Western Pennsylvania runs deep, history shows that even iconic players like Wayne Gretzky and Patrick Kane have been traded to new teams when circumstances demanded. This opens the door for Crosby’s possible trade, with four primary teams most commonly identified as likely candidates: the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Colorado Avalanche’s Strategic Proposal
The Colorado Avalanche have built a compelling package to lure Crosby, offering Martin Necas, Mikhail Gulyayev, and a first-round pick in 2027 during the 2025 offseason, with a slightly adjusted proposal including a second-round pick if the trade occurs at the 2026 deadline. Necas stands out as a centerpiece of this offer. A 27-year-old in his prime, he is a consistent scorer with 20 goals and 60 points per season, making him an ideal player around whom the Penguins could rebuild.
Despite his evident skill, Necas carries some concerns, notably recent reports about his discontent and his prior trade from Carolina to Colorado. If the Penguins decide to extend him, Necas could play a crucial role in their future. However, Necas alone will not suffice for Crosby’s trade; the addition of defensive prospect Mikhail Gulyayev and draft picks strengthens Colorado’s offer and increases its appeal, especially if the trade happens earlier rather than during the deadline.
Montreal Canadiens’ Young Assets and Flexibility
The Montreal Canadiens present a robust proposal built around their surplus of promising talent, allowing them to consider moving top prospects such as Owen Beck and David Reinbacher without sacrificing their core. Their offseason offer would include a 2026 first-round pick along with Beck and Reinbacher, while a trade deadline deal could see the Canadiens add a 2027 first-round pick as well.
Beck could fill a middle-six forward role on Montreal but would step into a top-six spot on the Penguins, and Reinbacher might transition from a supporting defensive role to a top-pair position in Pittsburgh. Another intriguing possibility is a one-for-one trade involving elite prospect Ivan Demidov, although this is unlikely given Montreal’s reluctance to part with a player who has a Hart Trophy ceiling.
With this flexibility, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes can tailor an offer to meet Pittsburgh’s demands, potentially orchestrating a package of prospects and picks that convincingly competes for Crosby’s signature.
New York Rangers’ Unique Assets and Market Appeal
The New York Rangers bring an interesting mix of assets, including NHL-ready prospects and draft capital. Their 2025 offseason offer would feature goaltender Dylan Garand, winger Gabe Perreault, and forward Will Cuylle. At the 2026 trade deadline, the Rangers would likely focus their offer on a first-round pick and Cuylle.
Garand, though unlikely to have a clear path to the Rangers’ starting roster, provides the Penguins with a young goaltender option to complement Arturs Silovs, who was acquired earlier in the offseason. This would give Pittsburgh two promising goalies to build around. Perreault is another prospect with significant upside and could become a difference-maker, especially if the deal happens early enough.
Will Cuylle stands out as a reliable offensive contributor and is expected to be part of any trade package. His inclusion would give the Penguins a young forward to help spearhead their rebuilding efforts.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ High-Value Prospects
The Toronto Maple Leafs, aiming to end their championship drought, have positioned Matthew Knies as a key asset in any potential Crosby trade. Their 2025 offseason proposal includes Knies alongside Easton Cowan and a 2027 second-round pick, while their deadline offer might forego Cowan and focus on Knies and the draft pick.
Knies, recently extended by Toronto, has already demonstrated his value as an integral part of their offense and would be highly sought after by Pittsburgh. However, moving Knies alone may not satisfy Pittsburgh’s requirements, forcing the Maple Leafs to consider including Cowan, a top prospect usually untouchable by GM Brad Treliving.
If Cowan remains off the table, Toronto might instead send a lesser prospect like William Villeneuve and a second-round pick, though acquiring a first-round pick from the Leafs appears improbable due to draft timing constraints, with their next available first-rounder in 2028.
Evaluating the Best Offer for Crosby
Among the four potential suitors, the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens rise above the rest with their comprehensive and valuable trade packages. Both teams hold the assets necessary to assemble competitive offers, and they also seem like the most attractive destinations for Crosby’s next chapter.
The Canadiens, in particular, have greater long-term assets to deploy if bidding heats up. Their prospects and draft picks, plus the option to include Ivan Demidov, give them a strong hand in negotiations without having to part with their most prized young forward. This flexibility might give Montreal the edge in a competitive bidding war for the future Hall of Famer.
Ultimately, the decision will rest with Crosby, who must weigh loyalty against the desire to chase another Cup with a team poised for success. Whether a deal happens during the offseason or at the trade deadline, the possibility of Crosby moving signals a shift in the NHL landscape that will reverberate for years. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 2025 season approaches, wondering which team will secure one of hockey’s greatest players and how it will reshape the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many teeth did Sidney Crosby lose?
A. Sidney Crosby lost two front teeth, but his impressive goal brought joy to the Penguins. Despite his injury, he wasn’t able to talk about his amazing one-handed goal that helped the Pittsburgh Penguins make it to the playoffs for the 11th year in a row.
Q. Did Sidney Crosby lose teeth?
A. Crosby’s jaw was broken, and he lost multiple teeth, which needed surgery and significant dental treatment.
Q. What disease does Sidney Crosby have?
A. Crosby’s DNA was sent to the CDC for an advanced test. He was not allowed to play in the game until the results returned. The CDC test showed that Crosby tested positive for mumps.