“I haven’t seriously considered anything else,” Sidney Crosby said a couple of months ago when asked about his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yet despite that confident response, chatter that the 38-year-old’s time in Pittsburgh could be coming to a close has only grown louder. So the question remains: he probably is irked hearing such talk, right? Or does he feel differently?

Speculation about Sidney Crosby’s future stems from the tension between his loyalty to Pittsburgh and his desire to keep competing for championships. Naturally, the Penguins skipper addressed the trade rumors more directly when he joined SPORTSNET for an exclusive interview. In a true-or-false segment, he was asked if he hated the fact that the rumor mills were churning non-stop about his potential move, even though he had never faltered in his etiquette.

Interestingly, Sidney Crosby replied, “I mean, I wouldn’t say I hate it. I get it, it’s part of it. That’s the thing that sucks about losing, because when you lose, that’s what comes with losing, that speculation. When you win, there’s no speculation. It’s like, ‘Who are they picking up, or who’s the deadline acquisition?’ When you lose, it’s like, ‘Who’s going?’ That’s the crappy part about losing.”

Simply put, in a way, the Halifax, Nova Scotia-native isn’t liking the forced speculation, even though he has vocally cleared all of his intentions to stay put at a team he has been with since 2005, winning three Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017, along with several MVP awards and unfailingly top-notch performance. Not surprising. To be fair, one has to admit that Crosby ages like a fine wine.

Consider his 2024-25 campaign, where he notched 33 goals and 91 points in 80 games, despite which Pittsburgh didn’t make it to the playoffs for the third year in a row. And with General Manager Kyle Dubas at the helm, major emphasis on a proper rebuild has been made by bringing in young talent.

But for someone who cares so deeply about Pittsburgh and still burns with a competitive edge, Crosby now finds himself in cross hairs as he approaches the conclusion of his illustrious career. Then again, there are two sides to this story. Consider veteran insider John Shannon, who, months ago, shut down the trade talk outright: “I do not see it, period.” He insisted that Crosby intends to finish out his contract.

Simultaneously, Frank Seravalli echoed the sentiment, calling any trade involving Crosby a “long shot” because, as he put it, “You have to take him at his own word. He wants to be a Pittsburgh Penguin. He wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.” Agreeing to this was also David Pagnotta, stressing that while Pittsburgh is open to selling other players, it ain’t Crosby who’s getting traded. And even if they’re willing to sell, it would be for a high price.

On the other hand, some believe a different ending could be in store. Greg Wyshynski suggested that if the Penguins continue to struggle, Crosby might seek a new challenge, even saying that he will end his career in Montreal. Jason Bukala backed that angle, noting, “He is going to age out of that roster (and) go win somewhere else.” Last but not least, Chris Johnston offered a more cautious take, admitting, “I’m still of the mind it’s more likely than not he doesn’t finish in Pittsburgh.”

The other side of the story, you ask? Well, consider this tale with a lot of twists and tangles.

How clear can things be regarding the future of Sidney Crosby?

Everyone knows that Sidney Crosby is signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins through 2026-27 with a no-movement clause. This practically gives him full control over his future. Now here’s the twist: while most believe he’ll finish in Pittsburgh, Greg Wyshynski reported weeks ago that his decision may depend on Evgeni Malkin.

According to Wyshynski, Crosby plans to stay “as long as Geno’s there,” but if Malkin leaves after the 2025-26 season, Crosby’s own future could come into question. That possibility leaves Penguins fans facing the prospect of both stars departing within a short window. Then again, more recently, Malkin himself gave an update on his future.

Though Evgeni isn’t sure if this 20th NHL season will be his last, whether it’s with the Penguins or in the league as a whole, the veteran did say that he isn’t prepared to hang up his skates just yet. “I’m still hungry. I’m glad to be here this year,” said Malkin to reporters last week, as compiled by ESPN. Then again, the 39-year-old believes it all depends on how the season progresses.

Confidence will automatically radiate from Evgeni if the team performs well. And even if the team plans for a major rebuild, he would love to be a part of it. So indirectly, we have an answer regarding the future of Sidney Crosby, if one follows the theory of the skipper staying only if his fellow teammate stays as well. Rest assured, he couldn’t have made it clearer about his future with the Penguins.

Either way, share your views in the comments.