Crosby signed a two-year extension last September. He has repeatedly said he plans to only play for the Penguins. He has a full no-trade clause. Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Penguins, wants him to be part of the organization for the rest of his life.

While Sidney Crosby agreed to a two-year contract extension in September that included a full no-trade clause and could keep him with the Pittsburgh Penguins through at least the 2026-27 NHL season, the struggles the Penguins have endured from October through Monday's 2-1 loss to the lowly San Jose Sharks (15-32-6) resulted in Crosby being the subject of trade rumors for the second consecutive winter.

Every time trade talks involve the Colorado Avalanche, Crosby’s name arises. His friendship with fellow Nova Scotian Nathan MacKinnon has made some people believe a Crosby trade to Colorado is a foregone conclusion. Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney have made quite the post-playing careers for themselves. When they speak, the hockey world hears it.

Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe voiced his frustration regarding the ongoing trade speculation surrounding Sidney Crosby, fueled by the Spittin' Chiclets podcast duo of Ryan Whitney and Paul

The Avalanche sent Rantanen, a pending unrestricted free agent, to the Carolina Hurricanes, receiving Martin Necas, Jack Drury and two draft picks in return. With the Chicago Blackhawks taking on 50% of Rantanen’s cap hit in the deal, Colorado has $5.6 million in cap space, fueling speculation about an upcoming major addition.