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Insiders Shed Light on Sidney Crosby-to-Avalanche Trade Speculation
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade Mikko Rantanen in a three-team blockbuster trade has already sparked speculation about what they might do next.

As reported by The Athletic's Chris Johnston shortly after the deal was announced, and quoting a league source, executives around the league are wondering “What else is Colorado up to?

“They’ve opened up more cap space and there’s no way they are stopping here.”

With the team clearing significant cap space in the trade, rumors swirled about a potential pursuit of Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

So much so, in fact, that Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman added a little note on the possibility while discussing the trade in a column published shortly after it was reported.

“I know there’s a lot of fan/media hope for Sidney Crosby in Colorado this season, but I’d be shocked,” Friedman wrote. “I’ve been shocked before, but that would really do it.”

The Avalanche sent Rantanen, a pending unrestricted free agent, to the Carolina Hurricanes, receiving Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks in return.

With the Chicago Blackhawks retaining 50% of Rantanen’s cap hit in the deal, Colorado has $5.6 million in cap space, fueling speculation about an upcoming major addition.

Fans quickly connected the dots to Crosby, long imagined as a dream linemate for Team Canada teammate Nathan MacKinnon.

Former player-turned-analyst Paul Bissonnette added fuel to the fire with a post on X writing, "Crosby to the Avs??? It’s going to be Crosby to the Avs isn’t it???"

Less than two hours before midnight, Johnston provided a much-waited update on the speculation pouring cold water on the fantastic scenario.

“Unless something changes -- and at this point I have absolutely ZERO reason to believe it will -- Sidney Crosby isn't being traded out of Pittsburgh," Johnston posted on X. "He's an untouchable as far as the #pens are concerned, plus he's got a no-movement clause and no desire to be dealt.”

Crosby, who signed a two-year, $17.4 million extension with Pittsburgh last September, has repeatedly expressed his commitment to the Penguins.

“I’m really happy to know that I’ll be here for a few more years,” Crosby said after signing the extension.

Meanwhile, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas denied the rumors of the franchise gearing up for a "fire sale" in an interview with NHL.com's Michelle Crechiolo on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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