As the trade rumors rage on, so does the Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Though the team lost the latest game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and currently ranks last in the Metropolitan division, 37-year-old Crosby shone like a diamond on the ice — the Nova Scotia native has hit yet another major NHL record and is justifiably turning some heads.

Just hours ago, the Penguins’ communications and PR posted a graphic of Sidney and his teammates, with the overlay text saying, “Top-10 All-Time – 1050 career assists.” The franchise’s caption to the post was also unique and banger: “If you’re tired of hearing about Sidney Crosby’s accomplishments, keep scrolling. With his 1,050th career helper, the Captain has cracked the NHL’s top-10 all-time assists list 👏.” 

The 37-year-old Penguins captain scored one goal and 2 assists in the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, taking his all-time assist tally to 1050. If we look at the historic NHL Assists record of all time, Crosby now ranks at 10th place where the first has been secured by the GOAT, Wayne Gretzky, with 1,963 assists.

Any guesses as to whom Crosby went past with his second assist of the night? None other Gretzky’s idol Gordie ‘Mr. Hockey’ Howe.

But get yourself up, Penguins fans. Crosby has not only made it into the list of most career assists but also tied for the most point-per-game seasons at 19 with … yeah ‘The Great One’. Having racked up 3 points in the 4-5 loss to the Maple Leafs, the Penguins captain is just 15 points away from surpassing the legend. 

“As a Penguins fan, it’s all I pretty much have left to cheer for this season,” wrote one netizen, appreciating Crosby’s performance amidst tough times for the Penguins. The fan, however, may need to find another reason to cheer for, as, if reports are to be believed, Crosby could be on his way out of Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby trade talks and fans’ reactions

Given Crosby’s advanced age, it is unlikely that the Penguins will look to give him a long-term contract after getting his signature for a two-year $17.4 million extension in 2024. The Penguins may look to trade him for more future-proof options while he is still a prolific scorer.

Moreover, considering how the Penguins are languishing at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, chances are that Crosby himself could be looking for greener (or icier) pastures come March 7 as he looks to win his fourth Stanley Cup. As far as his most likely destination is concerned, it could be the Colorado Avalanche.

Yeah, read that again — Colorado Avalanche. But for those who know Crosby well, it’s no surprise! Crosby is “good buddies” with Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche. Both No. 1 picks are Nova Scotia natives and have been practicing together during the offseason ever since MacKinnon joined the NHL. And yet, one fan thinks Crosby would be making a big mistake by leaving Pittsburgh to reunite with his friend, “Honestly, I don’t think it’s the right move,” clearly signifies the same. 

Another Crosby fan, however, wants the veteran to move on, “I don’t know if it will actually happen, I just got a notification that mentioned it’s still a possibility and I want it to happen.” Another fan, despite being an admirer of Crosby, also thinks it’s time the Penguins bosses let him go and started rebuilding the team around a fresh pool of younger players: “It’s nothing against Sid. He is incredible at 39. But what if you actually give up the farm for him, and the team doesn’t win the cup? That’s a complete miss. And I’m not sure this team currently constructed is a cup contender even with Crosby.” 

The trades of Mikko Rantanen and J.T. Miller sent shockwaves through the NHL. But, given that Sidney Crosby has played for the Penguins for almost twenty years, his trade would truly mark the end of an era.