Time to walk away? NHL analyst stirs controversy by claiming Sidney Crosby could be 'aged out' of Penguins rebuild

For the first time in years, the unthinkable is being discussed out loud—Sidney Crosby, the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly two decades, could potentially finish his career elsewhere.

That’s the bombshell NHL analyst Justin Cuthbert dropped on The FAN Pregame podcast, citing the Penguins’ recent failure to rebuild around Crosby effectively.

Sidney Crosby’s loyalty questioned amid Penguins' playoff drought and aging roster

Justin Cuthbert argued that Pittsburgh has wasted Sidney Crosby’s late prime by surrounding him with veteran stopgaps instead of younger core pieces. “They missed the opportunity to get better, and around Sidney Crosby to the point now that I think it's very possible,” he said, hinting at the once-taboo idea of a Crosby trade.

“They did it with a lot older, veteran-type players,” he added, pointing to moves like acquiring Erik Karlsson instead of building a long-term foundation.

Sidney Crosby still producing elite numbers while the franchise slips further from contention

Despite missing the playoffs three years in a row, Crosby has managed to score over 90 points in each of those seasons, shouldering the team’s burden and keeping hopes alive. But even his heroics may not be enough to offset the Penguins’ trajectory. “Pittsburgh is not going to be very good for a long time,” Cuthbert said bluntly.

“He’s going to age out in that roster to go win somewhere else, is what I think.”The 2026 Winter Olympics are being floated as a possible turning point, with speculation mounting that Crosby may reassess his future based on the team’s direction and whether longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin stays or goes.

Insiders suggest the final decision rests with Sidney Crosby alone

NHL insider Frank Seravalli also weighed in this week, stating, “He (Crosby) hasn't shown any interest to the Pittsburgh Penguins in moving.

And they're sure as heck not going to go ask a franchise icon if he's interested in moving.” Seravalli emphasized that the only way a move would happen is if Crosby initiates it.For now, fans must grapple with a sobering reality: the Crosby-Malkin era may be approaching its emotional final chapter.Also Read: Connor McDavid’s cryptic comments spark panic as Oilers fans fear star could walk in free agency

FAQs

1. Is Sidney Crosby considering leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins?

While Sidney Crosby hasn’t shown interest in leaving, NHL analysts believe he might consider it if the Penguins keep struggling.

2. Why are analysts suggesting Sidney Crosby should be traded?

Experts like Justin Cuthbert say the Penguins failed to rebuild around Sidney Crosby and that he's “aging out” of a roster with little chance to win.

3. Would the Penguins ever trade Sidney Crosby?

According to Frank Seravalli, the team won’t suggest a move—any trade would only happen if Sidney Crosby initiates the conversation himself.