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NHL Network Addresses Sidney Crosby Trade Rumours: 'Every Man Has a Breaking Point'
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been outside the postseason for the last 3 years, and indications point toward Sidney Crosby potentially requesting a trade out of town, per NHL Network.
It's been 3 years now since the Pittsburgh Penguins have made the postseason, representing the longest drought of Sidney Crosby's NHL career.
Additionally, it's the longest drought of Evgeni Malkin's career, which could very well be coming to a close next summer.
During a recent segment on NHL Network, former players (and teammates of Crosby) Mike Rupp and Brian Boyle speculated about Crosby's future with Pittsburgh.
Said Rupp:
This is a team that is clearly rebuilding, and I still think there are probably moves to be had before Camp starts. Whether it's Rickard Rakell, whether it's Bryan Rust, this lineup will get less explosive....The one thing that would get him to potentially leave, I think, is just playing out this season, and Evgeni Malkin riding off into the sunset.
That would break up the core guys, and I think next summer is the decision time for Sidney Crosby, maybe leaving, but I don't see anything this year.
That would break up the core guys, and I think next summer is the decision time for Sidney Crosby, maybe leaving, but I don't see anything this year.
Boyle then offered the following:
In terms of what people might predict for wins for them, I don't think Crosby will let that happen. I think he'll go kicking and screaming, trying to drag this franchise into relevance and stay in the mix no matter what, like he's done. But everyone has a breaking point....I can't wrap my head around him leaving, but everyone has a desire to win.
Sidney Crosby is signed through 2027
Despite the rumors surrounding Crosby, he is signed through 2027, as he agreed to a 2 year extension with his traditional AAV (average annual value) of $8.7 million.
Crosby still showed no signs of slowing down this year with 91 points (33G, 58A). But if the Penguins are one of the worst clubs in the NHL, as many expect them to be, he could choose to try and depart to chase one last Stanley Cup before he retires.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 29 | 91 ANSWERS NHL Network Addresses Sidney Crosby Trade Rumours: 'Every Man Has a Breaking Point' Will Sidney Crosby ask for a trade from the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 23.1 % |
| No | 70 | 76.9 % |
| List of polls | ||