Everything continues to crumble around the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, and there seems to be no redeemable qualities to turn things around. The cornerstones of this franchise are still producing points, but it's clear that those around them are not doing their part to help boost this club to new heights. With each loss, it's becoming obvious that this group is in store for a losing season.
One big issue remains for the Penguins this year, and that's the future outlook of Sidney Crosby.
The captain has remained committed in saying he truly doesn't know how much longer he wishes to play. And while that is probably true, him being an unrestricted free agent this upcoming summer is starting to make things awkward. Many thought he would be signed to a contract extension by now, but for some reason, that still hasn't happened.
No one should be raising trade rumors at all-time highs surrounding Crosby right now.
He has continued to reiterate his intention to only play for Pittsburgh during his career, and all signs continue to point to that being the case even if the club suffers a setback season. All of that being said, this club must be careful because if Crosby isn't re-signed before the trade deadline, they could lose him for nothing when free agency rolls around if he has a change of heart.
Pittsburgh Penguins might trade Sidney Crosby before the deadline if he doesn't re-sign
There should be continued hope that Crosby will re-sign with the Penguins at some point this season. Even if it waits until after the campaign ends, no one should be overly worried in Pittsburgh. That being said, general manager Kyle Dubas must consider an upfront conversation with the franchise icon if he isn't signed to an extension before the trade deadline.
The team needs reassurance by then.
This club, who is clearly in the midst of a rebuild, needs to know they won't risk losing their captain in free agency for nothing. If Crosby cannot guarantee them that, then perhaps Dubas might be tasked with the impossible, trading Sidney Crosby before the trade deadline passes. That would be headlining news as many national media outlets have been floating this idea for a couple of years.
Moving this level of talent rarely works out in the sellers favor when a trade gets agreed upon. Moving someone of Crosby's stature would likely land Pittsburgh a massive haul in return, even if Sid would be a rental. This is still all circumstantial as many still believe in the Steel City that it will never come to this. That being said, you cannot fully deny the possibility if he doesn't re-sign during this time frame.
Dubas seems eager to start a complete youth movement for the franchise following this campaign.
He has pointed to Sidney Crosby being part of that plan to help show the young players the ropes before he eventually retires. The truth is that the organization cannot afford to let Crosby walk away in free agency for nothing in return, so if the captain denies them an extension before the deadline, Dubas will be put into an incredibly difficult situation.
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