The Pittsburgh Penguins remain actively engaged in trade negotiations as the offseason progresses, with general manager Kyle Dubas keeping all roster choices open, including the availability of Sidney Crosby, the franchise’s iconic center. This development surprises many, but the team insists tough decisions are necessary to initiate a rebuilding phase. A former teammate recently provided perspective on Crosby’s standing in Pittsburgh amidst these shifts.
Jake Guentzel Reflects on the Emotional Challenge for Crosby
Despite GM Dubas offering several veterans in trades to accelerate change, Crosby continues to be the team’s top offensive player, having achieved 91 points in the last season. However, missing the playoffs three years in a row has intensified the urgency for change. Jake Guentzel, Crosby’s longtime teammate and former Penguins winger, shared his thoughts on the situation during a recent episode of The Sam and Crick Podcast. Guentzel was unexpectedly traded from Pittsburgh to the Carolina Hurricanes last March after contributing eight seasons and playing 465 games alongside Crosby, including their 2017 Stanley Cup victory.
Their relationship is close, with Guentzel describing Crosby as like an older brother who was present at his home when he heard about the trade. Reflecting on Crosby’s experience handling attention, Guentzel admitted,
“It’s got to be tough for him.”
—Jake Guentzel, Former Penguins Winger
He added,
“I mean, everyone wants to be all over him, it seems like. He keeps a pretty low-key profile in Pittsburgh.”
—Jake Guentzel, Former Penguins Winger
Guentzel emphasized Crosby’s deep connection with the city, noting his status as one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved figures. Beyond his skill on the ice, Crosby’s character drew praise:
“Whenever you come up to him, he’s so friendly. He’s such a nice guy; that’s the good thing about him. He’ll do everything for everyone.”
—Jake Guentzel, Former Penguins Winger
The Ramifications of a Possible Sidney Crosby Trade for Pittsburgh
The potential departure of Crosby would mark a dramatic chapter for the Penguins. Selected first overall in the 2005 NHL draft, Crosby has been the key star for Pittsburgh since the days of Mario Lemieux. His achievements include leading the team to Stanley Cup titles in 2009, 2016, and 2017 and earning two Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.
Though earlier reports suggested that Crosby would stay with the Penguins through the Winter Olympics, the latest indications from Dubas reveal openness to serious trade proposals for the 38-year-old center. While moving Crosby could align with a rebuilding strategy, it would also leave a substantial gap in offensive production. Losing nearly 100 points per season that Crosby provides would pose a significant challenge for roster planning.
Addressing this loss will be a major test for Dubas in building the next competitive Penguins squad, as replacing such an influential figure remains a daunting task.