Could Penguins ask Sidney Crosby to waive no-movement clause amid rebuild?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to open the 2025-26 NHL season against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Although Pittsburgh isn't expected to compete this season and is likely a few years away from having a competitive roster, Penguins captain and franchise legend Sidney Crosby insisted in September that he doesn't want to go anywhere. Nevertheless, it's been speculated that Pittsburgh could approach the 38-year-old about waiving his full no-movement clause, which would benefit both him and the team. 

Sidney Crosby will have final say in potential trade

ESPN's Emily Kaplan revealed on Tuesday that "league sources believe the Penguins would never approach Crosby to waive" the clause, instead letting him decide how he wants to end his playing career. The three-time Stanley Cup champion signed a two-year contract extension in September 2024 that runs through the 2026-27 season. 

"A trade would have to be Crosby-driven," Kaplan wrote. "He would choose the time, and he would choose the destination. The Penguins would need to get compensation they felt is fair. And it all likely would go down quietly." 

Crosby was the subject of trade rumors before longtime agent Pat Brisson made it known he wants "Sidney to hopefully be in the playoffs every year." Meanwhile, writers for The Athletic are among those who believe the rebuilding (or "tanking") Penguins could be headed for a last-place finish. 

Fellow Penguins icon Evgeni Malkin also hinted in September that he could accept a move to a contender before the in-season trade deadline arrives. Malkin is in the final year of his contract and isn't expected to receive an extension. 

What motivates Sidney Crosby with Stanley Cup pursuit unlikely? 

According to Kaplan, Crosby "hasn't seriously considered a trade to this point." He recently discussed what motivates him while being part of a club that won't be Stanley Cup contenders anytime soon. 

"As you play, if you still have the passion, I think you find different things that motivate you," Crosby explained. "This year is obviously an Olympic year, so you know, that's a big motivation. But as far as just in general, I think the motivation is just to be my best. You know, whatever that is, you know, regardless of age and expectations, all that. I always just try to be my best, and that's enough for me."

Whether that will be enough for Crosby if the 2025-26 Penguins prove to be as bad as many expect remains to be seen.