$2.5 Million Longtime Teammate Speaks Out on Sidney Crosby Possibly Leaving Penguins to Chase Another Stanley Cup
The idea of Sidney Crosby playing for a team other than the Pittsburgh Penguins has long been considered unthinkable. However, with the Penguins struggling to stay competitive and Crosby nearing the final years of his career, speculation has begun to swirl about whether the three-time Stanley Cup champion could leave Pittsburgh in pursuit of another championship.
One of Crosby’s longtime teammates, who has been with him through multiple seasons and is currently on a $2.5 million contract, recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of the Penguins’ captain moving on.
Loyalty vs. Legacy: A Tough Decision for Crosby
Speaking to reporters, the veteran teammate didn’t shy away from acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s future.
“Sid has given everything to this organization,” he said. “He’s the ultimate competitor, and I know how much he wants to win. If he ever decided to go somewhere else for a chance at another Cup, no one in this locker room would blame him.”
Crosby, now 37, has spent his entire career with the Penguins since being drafted first overall in 2005. He has led the team to three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017) and cemented himself as one of the greatest players in NHL history. However, with Pittsburgh struggling to rebuild and the team sitting outside the playoff picture, some wonder if the window for another title in a Penguins jersey has closed.
Could Crosby Actually Leave?
Despite the speculation, Crosby has remained committed to Pittsburgh, stating multiple times that he wants to finish his career with the franchise. But as other aging stars like Patrick Kane and Claude Giroux have shown in recent years, sometimes chasing another Cup requires a fresh start.
His longtime teammate believes the decision will ultimately come down to what Crosby values most.
“He loves this city, and he loves this team,” he said. “But he also loves winning. No matter what happens, he’s earned the right to make whatever choice is best for him.”
A Future Without Crosby in Pittsburgh?
If Crosby were to leave, it would mark the end of an era in Pittsburgh and a seismic shift in the NHL. Contending teams looking for a final piece to their championship puzzle would undoubtedly line up for his services.
For now, though, Crosby remains a Penguin, and his teammates continue to support him—whether he decides to stay or make a bold move in search of one more Stanley Cup.
