'He's Going To Go Win Somewhere Else': Analyst Predicts Sidney Crosby Trade

With Crosby still producing at an elite level—over 90 points in each of the past three seasons—he questioned how long the 37-year-old will remain patient even after signing a two-year extension before the start of last season.

“Crosby is still an elite talent, and Pittsburgh is not going to be very good for a long time,” Bukala said. “I guess it's going to be a while (before they contend).

“He is going to age out of that roster (and) go win somewhere else, is what I think. And I think that's one to keep an eye on.”

While Crosby has long expressed loyalty to Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins, potentially staying in Pittsburgh at least until the Russian center retires, Bukala believes even that partnership might not last to the finish line.

“Sentimentally, he’s going to want to be [in Pittsburgh] to the end of Malkin’s career, but I don’t know that that’s going to be a reality,” Bukala said.

Malkin, who will turn 39 before the start of next season, is entering his final year under contract with the Penguins but has not yet announced his retirement date.