Paul Bissonnette Blasts Media Over Constant Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby Speculation

Added Bissonnette: “So, any of you American reporters, when he's on the road this season, I don't want to (expletive) hear you asking about him extending. He's going to focus on this year. I don't care if they're out of a playoff spot by the time the Olympics roll around. Let him focus on winning a gold medal.”

McDavid, 28, is entering the final season of his eight-year, $100 million contract and has not signed an extension yet. He has said repeatedly that he is in no rush, emphasizing that the decision will come down to timing and comfort.

Bissonnette then moved on to discuss Crosby's situation, saying he has no interest in hearing more noise about the Penguins captain either, dismissing suggestions of a move to the Montreal Canadiens or the Colorado Avalanche after comments by Crosby’s agent sparked rumors.

“And the same goes for all those Crosby rumors,” Bissonnette said. “I don't want to hear — I don't want to hear about it. Stop living in the past. I don't want to hear a (expletive) thing about Crosby moving on. Crosby — leave him alone till after the Olympics. I want them to focusing on winning a gold. Enough with all this.”

Crosby, 38, responded directly to his own round of questions last week, saying, “This is where I want to be. I love it here.” The longtime Pens star has steadily reaffirmed his commitment to the Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh, which has been his only NHL home for 20 years.

With the 2026 Olympics on the horizon, Bissonnette believes the spotlight should be on how McDavid and Crosby can help lead Canada to gold, not on what happens with their next deals.