After months of speculation, Friedman reveals Crosby's next move

For months, rumors have swirled around Sidney Crosby's future, with fans and insiders wondering if the longtime Penguins captain might finally consider moving on.

But with a new NHL season approaching, one of hockey's most trusted voices has put that idea to rest, at least for now.

Elliotte Friedman, speaking on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, revealed that Crosby is listed as a full participant in the NHL's preseason media tour.

That detail may seem minor, but it quietly confirms what many in Pittsburgh hoped: Crosby is staying with the Penguins, and he'll be wearing black and gold when the puck drops this fall.

Why Sidney Crosby isn't leaving Pittsburgh, despite growing outside pressure

The Penguins have now missed the playoffs three years in a row, and for a player with Crosby's résumé, the idea of chasing one final Stanley Cup elsewhere has been tempting to imagine.

Some even speculated he might head home to Canada, possibly to rejoin former teammates or finish his career on a different stage.

But according to Friedman, no such talks are happening internally.

"He's on the media tour list for Pittsburgh," Friedman said, adding that there's no sign the team or player is planning any changes.

Crosby, who turns 38 next summer, is still producing at a high level and has shown no public desire to move on. Even as other veteran stars have been traded in recent years, his loyalty to the franchise has stayed firm.

"Unless something big shifts, Crosby's staying put," Friedman confirmed in the same discussion.

I think if Crosby ever does move, it'll be his choice, not management's.

For now, all signs point to him beginning, and possibly ending, the 2025-26 season right where he's always been.