Avalanche on high alert as Penguins may ask Crosby to do something he's never done before
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The Colorado Avalanche are on high alert following reports that the Pittsburgh Penguins could ask Sidney Crosby to waive his no-movement clause as part of the team's ongoing rebuild plans.
While the Penguins aren't expected to contend this season and likely won't have a competitive roster for several years, Crosby made it clear in September that he has no intention of leaving the team.
Penguins could ask Sidney Crosby to waive his no-movement clause.
Zac Wassink from Yardbarker writes that there's been speculation that Pittsburgh might ask the 38-year-old to waive his full no-movement clause, a move that could be advantageous for both Crosby and the team.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported on Tuesday that «league sources believe the Penguins would never approach Crosby to waive» his no-movement clause, instead leaving the decision of how to end his career entirely up to him.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion signed a two-year contract extension in September 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2026-27 season.
"A trade would have to be Crosby-driven," Kaplan wrote. "He would choose the time, and he would choose the destination. The Penguins would need to get compensation they felt is fair. And it all likely would go down quietly." -Kaplan
Crosby was at the center of trade speculation until longtime agent Pat Brisson clarified that he hopes «Sidney to hopefully be in the playoffs every year.» Meanwhile, writers for The Athletic suggest that the rebuilding, or «tanking», Penguins could be headed for a finish at the bottom of the standings.
According to Kaplan, Crosby «hasn't seriously considered a trade to this point.» He has also recently shared insights into what drives him while playing for a team that isn't expected to contend for the Stanley Cup in the near future.
"As you play, if you still have the passion, I think you find different things that motivate you," Crosby explained. "This year is obviously an Olympic year, so you know, that's a big motivation. But as far as just in general, I think the motivation is just to be my best. You know, whatever that is, you know, regardless of age and expectations, all that. I always just try to be my best, and that's enough for me." -Kaplan
Whether that motivation will be enough for Crosby if the 2025-26 Penguins struggle as much as expected remains uncertain.
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