Trade rumors involving Sidney Crosby have been coming and going for the better part of a year. The rationale behind the Pittsburgh Penguins’ trading Sidney Crosby would be their impending rebuild and Crosby’s desire to end his career while playing with a contending team.
That said, NHL analyst Mike Rupp dropped the idea that the Penguins could trade Sidney Crosby to the Colorado Avalanche. During an appearance on NHL Network published on July 28 on X, Rupp discussed the likelihood of the Penguins trading Crosby.
While Rupp didn’t outright declare a trade as imminent, he did underscore that, if the Penguins were willing to trade Crosby, it would go to the Avalanche. Based on Rupp’s thought, here’s what that trade package could look like:
Avalanche get:
Sidney Crosby, F
Penguins get:
Martin Necas, F
Sean Behrens, D
2027 first-round pick
2028 first-round pick
The return for Sidney Crosby includes Martin Necas, who has allegedly been disenchanted with his time in Colorado. A piece in the Denver Gazette from July 19 echoed that idea. That’s why Necas could be part of the return for Crosby. Plus, Necas is set to become a UFA at the end of this upcoming season. So, if there’s a team that could pay Necas his reported $10 million price tag, it’s Pittsburgh.
Rupp also mentioned the Penguins could be looking for draft picks. So, one would think that the first two-rounders would be heading Pittsburgh’s way. Lastly, the deal could also include one of the Avalanche’s best prospects, that being defenseman Sean Behrens.
Ultimately, the Avalanche could be paying such a high price for one more year of Sidney Crosby as the club looks to bring back another Stanley Cup championship.
Sidney Crosby Has Full No-Trade Clause
The biggest impediment to a Sidney Crosby trade would be his full no-trade clause. As such, Crosby would have to approve any trade before it becomes final.
In that scenario, the Penguins would have to notify Crosby of the potential trade and determine his willingness to waive his no-trade clause.
Judging from Crosby’s allegiance to the Penguins, he may be unwilling to leave Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, Crosby might acquiesce to the trade if it were to the Colorado Avalanche.
It’s worth pointing out that the Avalanche have emerged as the prime destination for Crosby, given his connection to Nathan MacKinnon, a fellow native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.
But even with close friends in Colorado, it might seem implausible to get Sidney Crosby to waive his no-trade clause at this point in his career.
Crosby Doesn’t Need to Chase Another Cup
The prevailing wisdom is that Sidney Crosby would agree to a trade if the destination involved a contender. But it’s worth noting that Crosby already has three Cup rings. That’s why chasing a fourth ring may not seem as strong a motivator as remaining in Pittsburgh till the end of his career.
In the end, Sidney Crosby’s legacy in the Steel City is much more valuable than a fourth ring. While it may seem enticing to go out as a Stanley Cup champion, the fact is that Crosby has been known to be more adamant about cementing his legacy in Pittsburgh forever.
That situation might entail playing the final year(s) of his NHL career on a rebuilding team. It could happen ever if it means little hope of competing any time soon.
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