Crosby’s Future Remains a Key Focus for Penguins Amid Hot Streak

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ season may be going well, which will quell trade rumors surrounding their captain, but the topic of Sidney Crosby‘s future looms large. Crosby remains the cornerstone of the franchise and a player that other teams will be interested in if he ever becomes available. Penguins’ GM Kyle Dubas is aware of the situation and said that despite an 8-4-2 start, their long-term plans haven’t changed.

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“Our goal is not so different,” Dubas said. “Every day, we’re trying to get better. We’re trying to put ourselves in a position to win every single day…” That’s all that Crosby has asked for: a chance to win. Dubas stressed that he communicates regularly with Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson. The idea is to demonstrate that the Penguins aren’t folding their hand on the season, but they aren’t letting these early wins shift their long-term plans.

Dubas appreciates Crosby’s drive, as he does veterans like Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust. All want to win, and all are thinking the same thing Crosby is. If they, along with players like Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell, can help bring the younger guys along, they have a good thing. However, the Penguins know they need those younger guys if they want to stand a chance to keep this going.

Crosby understands that, too. “We’re very fortunate to have a person of that character, capability, of that winning pedigree, all in one,” Dubas said.

What Happens If The Season Goes The Other Way for the Penguins?

Some aren’t sold this winning will continue. So too, recent injury news for the Penguins is a concern. Justin Brazeau is out a minimum of four weeks (upper-body), Noel Acciari a minimum of three weeks (upper-body), and goaltender Tristan Jarry a minimum of three weeks (lower-body).

What if the Penguins can’t keep this pace going?

Crosby has two years remaining on his current contract, and there is no suggestion that the Penguins would push him out. When asked if Dubas would ever approach him about a trade, “No, I would never,” Dubas said. “If we continue to take the right steps and we continue to win, that’s the great solution to everything in sports. Just have to win.”

Next: Canadiens Reportedly “Adore” Bruins’ Forward, Who Recently Talked Trade Rumors