Sidney Crosby Makes Nathan MacKinnon Admission Amid Trade Speculation

Meanwhile, the Penguins were in Colorado to face the Avalanche on Tuesday, just a few days before the NHL trade deadline.

With MacKinnon entering the game just 10 points away from reaching 1,000 for his career, Crosby admitted it's "good for him to be rewarded" for his hard work.

"Anytime you see guys up close and how hard they work and how much they put into it, you want to see them get rewarded," Crosby said. "And he's somebody that's continued to want to get better every single year, and he cares a lot. It's good for him to be rewarded."

MacKinnon and the Avalanche went on to win 4-1. He recorded two assists, bringing his career total to 992. Crosby also assisted on Pittsburgh's lone goal.

Even after all the speculation, NHL insiders Kyle Johnston and Pierre LeBrun reported that the Penguins have no plans to trade their franchise legend before Friday's deadline but are willing to make other moves.

"The organization has no intention of putting its biggest name in play — Sidney Crosby — as it tries to retool its way back to respectability, and the 37-year-old captain remains an impactful player."

Perhaps a trade is looming in the offseason, but only time will tell if Crosby will finish his career as a Penguin.