Could We See Sidney Crosby in a Different Uniform Come 2026?

0 Sara Smith September 09, 2025

The unthinkable might just be on the horizon for the Pittsburgh Penguins and their fans. For two decades, Sidney Crosby has been the heart and soul of this franchise, a constant in a sea of change. But now, the rumors are growing louder, and they’re coming from the one place you can’t ignore: his own agent. Pat Brisson, one of the most powerful agents in the game, just dropped a bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the NHL.

When asked about the possibility of Crosby leaving the Penguins, he didn’t mince words: “Let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?” For a player as loyal as Crosby, this is the equivalent of a five-alarm fire. The Penguins have missed the playoffs for three straight years, and for a competitor like Sid the Kid, that’s an eternity. The question is no longer if he’s frustrated, but what he’s going to do about it.

The Frustration is Palpable

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about a few losses. This is about a fundamental shift in the Penguins’ identity. For years, they were the hunters, the team that was always in the mix for a Stanley Cup. Now, they’re on the outside looking in, and it’s taking its toll. Crosby himself admitted, “That’s the hard part about losing… It’s the (roster) turnover. It’s the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks — that’s the stuff that’s tough.”

You can feel the angst in his words. This is a player who is used to competing for championships, not just playing out the string. At 38 years old, the window for another Stanley Cup is closing, and he knows it. The loyalty to the Pittsburgh Penguins is undoubtedly there, but the desire to win is a powerful motivator.

Is a Trade a Real Possibility?

So, what does this all mean? Is a Sidney Crosby trade actually on the table? While it’s hard to imagine him in any other uniform, the reality is that the NHL is a business. If the Penguins continue to struggle and a contender comes calling with the right offer, could we see the unthinkable happen? It’s a question that will be on everyone’s mind as we approach the 2026 NHL trade deadline. One thing is for sure: the pressure is on the Penguins’ front office to build a winner around their captain. If they can’t, the whispers will only get louder, and the “possibility” of a Crosby trade could become a reality.