If the Pittsburgh Penguins want to put sentiments aside and rebuild the right way, they’ll trade franchise icons Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in the summer.
The Penguins and their fans don’t want to admit it, but keeping the three around for the rest of their careers does nothing to help the rebuild. Pittsburgh has missed the postseason in three straight years (after making it in 16 consecutive years from 2007 to 2022) and hasn’t won a playoff series since 2018.
Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby will be 38 by the time next season starts, and Evgeni Malkin will be 39. With a weak prospect pool and zero cornerstone players under the age of 30, Pittsburgh should trade all three now, load up on prospects and draft picks to help accelerate their rebuild.
If he’s open to a trade, Crosby will surely want to play for a title contender. Among all teams who are ready to win now, the Los Angeles Kings may be the best trade partner thanks to their deep group of young core players.
The Edmonton Oilers have eliminated Los Angeles in the opening round of the last four postseason tournaments. They haven’t won a playoff series since 2014, when they last captured the Stanley Cup. Trading for Crosby, even at age 38, could be the move to get LA over the top.
What Kings Should Offer Penguins For Sidney Crosby
The Kings should offer star winger Kevin Fiala (only 29 in July), promising 22-year-old defenseman Brandt Clarke, their 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 second-round pick that can become a first if they reach the Western Conference Final.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NHL stories via Google! Follow Us
It’s a steep price, yes. But Sidney Crosby is an upgrade over Fiala. LA has enough stud defensemen to survive Clarke’s departure, and the draft picks are merely lottery tickets. A 1-2 center punch of Crosby and fellow ageless wonder Anze Kopitar would make the Kings the team to beat in a wide-open Western Conference.
Plus, Crosby (91 points in 80 games last season) has shown zero signs of slowing down. He’s got at least two All-Star-caliber years left, so the risk is worthwhile for a Kings team that is one difference-maker away from competing for a third Stanley Cup title this century.
Also Read: Edmonton Oilers Fan Got Knocked Out Cold With A Vicious Slap During Game 5 Watch Party
