With Mike Sullivan gone and Dan Muse in, Sidney Crosby’s loyalty faces the ultimate test amid Pittsburgh’s fading legacy

The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering the 2025-26 NHL season with more questions than answers. Longtime head coach Mike Sullivan is gone, replaced by newcomer Dan Muse. After three straight seasons without playoff hockey, all eyes are on Sidney Crosby and whether the veteran captain still believes in the team he’s led for nearly two decades.

Surprise coaching change puts Crosby’s future with Penguins in question

Mike Sullivan’s move to the New York Rangers marks the end of an era in Pittsburgh. His departure signals more than a coaching change, it raises serious doubts about the Penguins’ future. In his place, the franchise has turned to Dan Muse, a coach with no NHL head coaching experience. For a team desperate to win, it’s a risky move.Sidney Crosby, now 37, remains the heartbeat of the Penguins. But the franchise’s recent struggles including three consecutive playoff misses have tested even his unwavering loyalty.

He’s never asked for a trade, never publicly questioned the direction. But with time running out on his Hall of Fame career, the pressure to chase one final Stanley Cup is building.

Insiders believe Crosby is being asked tough questions behind the scenes not by fans, but by those closest to him. NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman recently said he believes Crosby is loyal to the Penguins crest but admits this coaching change could make the veteran pause and reflect.

Adding to the uncertainty, Sullivan isn’t heading to New York alone. He’s bringing former Penguins assistants David Quinn and Ty Hennes with him, along with ex-Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, must rebuild its staff from the ground up, all while convincing Crosby to stay committed.For Dan Muse, the task ahead is enormous. He’s not just managing a locker room, he’s stepping into a leadership void, trying to inspire belief in a team that hasn’t had much to celebrate lately. Earning Crosby’s trust will be his first and most important challenge.Also Read: Wayne Gretzky is all praise for Connor McDavid, calling him the NHL’s best playerThe Penguins aren’t just starting a new chapter. They’re trying to hold on to their legacy and the player who defines it. Whether that legacy continues to include Sidney Crosby may depend on how quickly Muse can steady the ship.