Sidney Crosby’s future at Pittsburgh takes a turn as GM Kyle Dubas reveals his firm decision about the captain’s long-term plans

In Pittsburgh, the question surrounding Sidney Crosby’s future has been gaining momentum. Fans and analysts have speculated whether the Penguins’ captain might end his career elsewhere or if his incredible legacy will remain tied to the Steel City.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has finally addressed it, making it clear that there’s no room for doubt about his commitment—or Crosby’s. The 39-year-old executive, who also shoulders responsibilities with Team Canada’s Olympic roster, has made one thing certain: his plan for Crosby and the Penguins isn’t changing anytime soon. His goal remains focused on building a team capable of contending while keeping its core intact, both for today and tomorrow.

Speaking to The Athletic, Dubas shared rare insights into his approach to keeping Sidney Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh aligned with the team’s larger vision. He emphasized the importance of communication and trust, explaining how he keeps both Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, informed of every move. “Our goal is not so different,” Dubas said of the 38-year-old captain. “Every day, we're trying to get better. We're trying to put ourselves in a position to win every single day.

And I think that's been what we really set out to do from the spring to the summer through the fall.”

Dubas acknowledged that results might not always be immediately visible, but his philosophy remains steady. “I communicate that with Sid and with Pat, and I just don't think we can veer from it if we're going to deliver for him a team that can contend while he's still at this level, while he's still playing,” he said. The GM praised Crosby’s character and dedication, noting how his leadership continues to define the Penguins’ culture.He also credited the rest of the leadership core—Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, Erik Karlsson, and Rickard Rakell—for maintaining that championship mindset. “That in itself is probably the most important part of bringing the team back to that point (contention),” Dubas added.As for what comes next, Dubas isn’t rushing into decisions about Crosby’s long-term future. With two years left on his contract, he believes the best path forward is simple: keep winning. “No, I would never,” he said when asked about trading or disrupting the core. “He's got two years, this year and next year, on his contract. And I just think that 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.”For Dubas, success on the ice remains the answer to everything—including ensuring that Sidney Crosby’s story in Pittsburgh continues exactly where it began.More coverage on NHL:Sidney Crosby’s eyes well up after Evgeni Malkin’s beautiful speech celebrating their incredible two-decade Penguins legacy"It's unacceptable": William Nylander gets brutally honest after Penguins win, holds himself and Leafs teammates accountable