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In a move that has surprised many in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins have officially parted ways with head coach Mike Sullivan after ten seasons behind the bench. The decision, announced earlier this week, has sparked speculation about the future of franchise cornerstone Sidney Crosby, who many assumed was not thrilled with the news.
Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in Penguins history, led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, playing a crucial role in revitalizing the Crosby era. Despite the Penguins’ recent struggles and lack of playoff success in recent seasons, his dismissal marks the end of an era many thought would last as long as Crosby’s playing days.
General manager Kyle Dubas addressed speculation of Crosby’s reaction during a media availability, saying, “I can’t speak for Sid,”, then adding, “I called Sid Sunday morning to give him a heads up. I had a five-minute conversation with him. … I have to do what’s best for the organization.”
While Dubas insisted he is “not concerned” about Crosby leaving Pittsburgh, rumors have already begun to swirl about whether the 36-year-old captain could request a trade to a contending team this offseason.
Speculation that Crosby might eventually leave the Penguins was often dismissed by insiders, who called him a “lifer.” However, many of those insiders thought Sullivan was tied to the organization, and Crosby too. According to reports from sources close to the Penguins’ captain, Crosby is “not happy at all” about Sullivan’s firing. That may not lead to him wanting out, but questions will surface.
At the very least, he may be re-evaluating his future with the team. Longtime Penguins analyst and former player Phil Bourque added to the drama, stating, “It’s the first time I have ever questioned if Sidney Crosby would finish his career as a Pittsburgh Penguin.”
NHL analysts Josh Yohe and Jeff Marek reacted to the news on The Sheet, noting, “I can’t think Sid was real thrilled about this news.”
Will Crosby Be Fine And Understand It’s Part of the Business?
As much as the more interesting story is that Crosby is upset and might change his tune about staying with the Penguins, he might be upset, but not think twice about his tenure with the organization. Crosby is a true professional and knows this is part of the business.
It’s fair to argue that “Sully managed to save the Crosby era,” but it was a long run, and maybe it was time for a change.
The next few months may be crucial in determining the direction of both Crosby’s future and the next chapter of Penguins hockey.
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Seven potential trade destinations for Jason Robertson
Mike Matheson may not be in the Montreal Canadiens’ long-term plans, but he fits the lineup now Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson has a year left on his contract and it still an important piece to their blue line. Lane Hutson will need a new deal after next season, and it could exceed Noah Dobson’s $9.5 million. Ivan Demidov will need a huge deal in two years. The Canadiens top four beyond next season will likely consist of Hutson and Kaiden Guhle on the left side and Dobson and David Reinbacher on the right. Right-handed Alexandre Carrier has two years left, and they have LHD of Jayden Struble (RFA) and Arber Xhakaj (one year away from RFA). NHLRumors: Rossi and Wild at Contract Impasse Potential trade destinations for Jason Robertson Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet: A look at seven teams that could be potential trade destinations for Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. The 25-year-old Robertson carries a $7.75 million cap hit for one more season. He’ll be an RFA after next year and would be a UFA the following year. He doesn’t have any trade protection but does have some leverage if he were to indicate whether he’d sign an extension with a potential team acquiring him or not. Los Angeles Kings – Hometown team, and they could be looking to add more scoring. Immediate business for the Kings is that they need to re-sign RFA Alex Laferriere, and Adrian Kempe is extension-eligible. Carolina Hurricanes – Already signed Nikolaj Ehlers, but could use some more scoring. Could the Stars reacquire some of the picks they sent in the Mikko Rantanen deal? Washington Capitals – Would need to move out some salary, and could be some scoring insurance depending on Alex Ovechkin’s future. Additional scoring for next year would be welcomed. Columbus Blue Jackets – Would the Stars be interested in winger Dmitri Voronkov? The Blue Jackets made him available in Noah Dobson trade talks. Detroit Red Wings – The Red Wings may need to go the trade route to add scoring, as they weren’t even able to talk to UFAs they would have been interested in. Seattle Kraken – The Kraken could use some high-end scoring. Have the cap space and multiple first-round picks in the next two drafts. Utah Mammoth – If the Stars are looking for a current NHLer in the return, maybe Nick Schmaltz at $5.85 million could fit into their top-six. The Mammoth have three 2026 second-round picks and prospects as well.
Packers Get Worrisome Update on $77 Million Offensive Lineman
The Packers are banking on the offensive line making big strides this season, but may have suffered a setback during one of the first practices of training camp. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Aaron Banks went down with some sort of injury midway through Thursday’s practice. “Left guard Aaron Banks, who signed a four-year, $77 million contract in the offseason, did not finish the practice,” Demovsky noted for ESPN. “He appeared to drop out halfway through the one-hour, 54-minute session. He remained on the field with a helmet on but did not return.” The severity of whatever ailment Banks suffered is unknown at this time, but if he is forced to miss any meaningful practice time it could deal a blow to the Packers trying to build a strong chemistry and cohesion up front. Last season, for the San Francisco 49ers, Banks allowed just one sack but his 25 pressures ranked 105th in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
Aaron Rodgers Has Perfect Reaction to First Steelers Interception
The crowd was buzzing at Saint Vincent's College as the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-string offense took the field. It was a good, old-fashioned offense versus defense drill on the opening day of camp, and it gave everyone a first look at the team's top units. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass, was rushed a bit and threw a pass. What he didn't see was middle linebacker Patrick Queen, who intercepted the pass and ran it back to the sound of ohs and ahs from the crowd. Following the practice, Rodgers was asked what kind of omen throwing a pick on the first play was. The 41-year-old quarterback seemed unconcerned by the blunder. "It's good to get that out the way," he joked. "Anybody that's watched me practice over the years. Ya know, you like to try certain throws at certain times." It wasn't what Rodgers, the coaching staff or the fanbase wanted to see from his first throw in training camp, but it did. Is he concerned about the interception? Absolutely not. As Rodgers put it, practice is one thing, but when it comes to game time, he takes care of the football. And while he may cause some turnovers, he also delivers touchdowns. "Anybody who's watched me in games knows that I've been pretty stellar at taking care of the football over the years," he continued. "There's gonna be picks, for sure. I'm gonna try to fit certain things in. You know, you gotta deal with some sweat on the ball from time to time. It's going to be a good challenge for me, throwing in this heat every day. I look forward to it, but I'm going to throw some picks. I'm going to throw some touchdowns too." The statistics of Aaron Rodgers' career would back up his claim as well. Entering his 21st season, he's thrown double-digit interceptions just four times in his career. One of those times was last season with the lowly New York Jets, and he still managed to throw for 28 touchdowns to compensate. It was an unfortunate start for Rodgers, but the veteran QB is moving on quickly, and hopefully, everyone else does too.
Red Sox-Blue Jays Wild Trade Buzz Picking Up Steam
The Boston Red Sox have plenty of firepower at their disposal that would interest opposing teams ahead of the trade deadline. Despite this, it recently was reported that the Red Sox are expected to keep their outfield intact for now, at least. While this is the case, FOX Sports made an unlikely suggestion that the American League East rival Toronto Blue Jays would be a solid landing spot for Jarren Duran. "The Blue Jays, who lead the Yankees by three games in the AL East, should operate like a legit contender. Acquiring Duran would fortify that status," FOX Sports said. "Last offseason, Toronto made a presumably cost-effective and high-impact move by signing former Baltimore Orioles outfielder/designated hitter Anthony Santander — who blasted 44 home runs in 2024 — to a five-year, $92.5 million deal. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, Santander hasn't played since May 29 due to a shoulder injury and boasted a .179/.273/.304 slash line before going down. "Furthermore, center fielder Daulton Varsho has missed the last two months due to a hamstring injury and struggled to get on base beforehand. Acquiring Duran could help Toronto replenish some of the production that both Santander and Varsho's absences have vacated. Duran would provide slug and somebody who files around the basepaths to a plausible offense but one that could use more slug; while Toronto entered Wednesday second in MLB with a .332 on-base percentage, it was also 12th with a .407 slugging percentage. At full force, Duran, Varsho, George Springer, Davis Schneider and Santander — who was the team's designated hitter before going down — would make for an outfield depth chart of multiple players who are adept at playing multiple spots." Maybe this is true, but Duran is under team control for a few years. Why trade a fan-favorite within the division? This can be ruled extremely unlikely.
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