How Recent Trades and Crosby’s Uncertainty Point to a Penguins Rebuild

In a month where NHL news typically slows to a crawl, the Pittsburgh Penguins managed to capture the hockey world’s attention with a series of trades that sparked plenty of discussion.

This week, the Penguins added future draft picks and acquired Cody Glass, the sixth-overall pick from the 2017 draft. While these moves generated headlines, they didn’t do much to enhance the 2024-25 roster.

Instead, they could be early signs of a shift toward a rebuild.

Recent trades suggest that the Penguins are navigating a transitional period, with GM Kyle Dubas methodically shaping the team’s future.

Trades for Draft Picks and the Absence of Key Additions

The offseason moves by Penguins GM Kyle Dubas reflect a calculated approach to reshaping the team’s future.

The trades for draft picks and Cody Glass have certainly sparked discussion, but they align with a broader strategy that prioritizes long-term potential over immediate gains.

One prime example is the trade with the St. Louis Blues, where Pittsburgh exchanged a 2026 fifth-round pick for forward Kevin Hayes, along with a 2026 second-round pick and a 2025 third-round pick. Rather than targeting a player who could instantly elevate the Penguins' top-six, Dubas chose to build the team’s future draft stock.

Similarly, the acquisition of Cody Glass from Nashville, in exchange for Jordan Frasca, adds depth to the roster but isn’t expected to have a significant impact in the short term. These moves clearly indicate a shift in priorities.

So, what does all of this mean?

It’s evident that the Penguins are focusing on younger talent that will likely develop over the next few years, signaling a departure from their previous win-now mentality.

There has been a noticeable absence of marquee signings or trades for top-six forwards this offseason, standing in stark contrast to the aggressive moves of past years. Instead, the team appears to be setting the stage for a subtle rebuild where immediate success takes a backseat to long-term growth.

The reliance on internal options, like Drew O’Connor potentially stepping up to play alongside Sidney Crosby, further underscores this strategy.

By choosing not to make splashy acquisitions, the Penguins are acknowledging the need to transition toward a new era, even as they maintain the presence of their veteran core.

Yet, the continued commitment to Malkin and Letang alongside Crosby raises questions about how these moves align with the broader rebuild strategy.

While Crosby remains untouchable, the long-term roles of Malkin and Letang within this evolving team dynamic are becoming less clear.

Crosby's Contract Extension: A Reflection of the Penguins' Future?

The recent delay in securing a contract extension for Sidney Crosby has fueled speculation, but perhaps the reason lies in the very moves the Penguins have been making.

Crosby might be carefully considering the direction the team is heading before committing to another contract. It’s no secret that he wants to remain a Penguin for life, despite any media chatter to the contrary.

Still, the ongoing roster changes and the team's shift toward a rebuild are likely giving him pause as he evaluates how much longer he wants to play.

Crosby has always been deeply committed to Pittsburgh, and it’s possible that he’s weighing not just the length of his next contract, but the legacy he wants to leave behind.

As the Penguins navigate this transitional period, Crosby's decision will undoubtedly be influenced by his desire to do what’s best for both his career and the franchise.

In many ways, the uncertainty surrounding his extension is symbolic of the broader uncertainty facing the team as they embark on this new chapter—a chapter where long-term vision takes precedence over immediate success.