Last-minute announcement involving Sidney Crosby leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins from NHL insider

Perhaps no player has been involved in as much speculation as Sidney Crosby over the past seasons. One of the best players in NHL history missed out on the Stanley Cup playoffs for the last three years, leaving many experts and fans wondering if they would eventually see him wear another NHL jersey before retiring.

Although the Pens captain stated many times publicly that he wouldn't change teams, recent circumstances in Pittsburgh such as Mike Sullivan's firing and a rebuild could make him change his mind.

In a recent report, Nick Kypreos suggested that while it would be surprising to see him get traded in the offseason, anything could happen after the Olympics, ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.

Market prices always go up around that time, and any team looking to get Crosby, if Pittsburgh isn't in a position to make the playoffs, would need to make massive offers to be considered by Dubas.

Adding Crosby mid-season, ahead of a playoff run, would be a game-changer for any organization that gets him.

Crosby would also be likely to join a top contending team, such as the Colorado Avalanche, to go all-in for another Stanley Cup with his friend Nathan MacKinnon.

Following the Rantanen fiasco, the Avs management could get back on the fans' good side by acquiring Crosby for the final stretch of his career.

At this point, other teams will surely show interest, like the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and more.

But trading Crosby will make or break Dubas' career. He won't make any hasty decisions, and could end up keeping him if he doesn't like what other organizations have to offer.

This will be very interesting to follow closely over the coming months.