PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Could Sidney Crosby play somewhere else?
The talk started with well-respected NHL insider Nick Kypreos suggesting Crosby might leave the Pens for Montreal after the 2026 Winter Olympics. Kypreos told Sportsnet 590 The FAN that Crosby ‘is too good right now to just be a babysitter for the next three years.’
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski went farther to say he’s long believed that Crosby will end his career with the Canadiens. There are obvious ties to Montreal as Sid grew up a Canadiens fan and his father was drafted by the organization. Plus, it seems there is a belief that the Olympic games are going to tug at his competitiveness and potential desire to return to Canada.
This scenario also banks on the Pens being one of the worst teams in the NHL. That’s not far-fetched. The team is coming off three consecutive non-playoff seasons and the outlook is not bright. According to FanDuel Sportsbook odds, the Pens are +39000, that is worst in the Eastern Conference and better only than San Jose and Chicago.
“I have a feeling it’s going to be a tough year,” said Pens Stanley Cup champion Tyler Kennedy on the Pomp & Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan. “(Pens GM) Kyle Dubas, I don’t think he’s trying to win next year to get into the playoffs. I think he’s got a plan so when Sidney Crosby and those core guys leave, he’s got guys there that are kind of pushing in the playoffs.”
“He’s trying to figure out a plan to keep hockey alive, keep hockey exciting when those top three guys leave.”
Kennedy was teammates with Crosby for six years. He thinks it would be ‘very unlikely’ Crosby would agree or want to leave the Pens after signing a two-year, $17.4 million extension last year through the 2026-27 season.
“This team has to do so bad that Sid wants out,” Kennedy told Bob Pompeani about the scenario where it could happen. “They don’t win one game. They are frustrating. They aren’t playing him how he should be played.”
“It turns into a little bit of a mess where he wants out. But knowing Sid, knowing how loyal he is to the team, to his teammates. Sid, I don’t ever think, would ever bail on his team.”
A nine-year NHL veteran, Kennedy believes it was a stain on Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque’s career to chase a championship with Colorado.
“I don’t think Sid would jeopardize his reputation to go play for a team for a year or two,” Kennedy said on 93.7 The Fan. “I don’t think it’s worth it. He has too much of a legendary career with Pittsburgh to change it last minute and go with Montreal.”
“Saying that, if there was a team, it would be Montreal.”