As the Pittsburgh Penguins face a challenging future after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, speculation about their iconic captain Sidney Crosby's potential departure is intensifying. NHL insider Nick Kypreos hinted that Crosby might be traded after the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the Montreal Canadiens emerging as a possible destination. Kypreos emphasized that Crosby remains too talented to merely guide a struggling franchise, suggesting it would be a disservice to his legacy.

Despite the Penguins' front office indicating they are not considering trades for Crosby or other core veterans, the team’s declining performance and aging roster, highlighted by Evgeni Malkin's impending 39th birthday, raises questions about their future direction. While no concrete trade discussions have been reported, Kypreos hinted that significant changes could be on the horizon, particularly if the Penguins seek to rebuild.

The San Jose Sharks are making significant moves to bolster their defensive lineup, recently claiming Nick Leddy off waivers and signing Dmitry Orlov. With at least eight defensemen under contract, the Sharks now feature Mario Ferraro, who can play both sides. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers secured Christian Dvorak on a one-year deal, despite the player having multiple offers for longer contracts. The Flyers intend to keep Dvorak unless their playoff chances dwindle at the trade deadline.

In other news, the Nashville Predators are focused on enhancing their blue line. GM Barry Trotz has added size with Nic Hague and Nick Perbix but admits the team remains light on center options, leaving pressure on wingers to produce more offense. He emphasizes the need for gradual rebuilding to compete effectively.

Quebec's language watchdog has softened its stance on the use of the English word 'go' in sports cheers, now deeming it 'partially legitimized' alongside the French 'allez.' This shift follows a backlash against the Montreal transit agency's compliance with earlier guidelines that removed 'Go! Canadiens Go!' from bus signs during the Canadiens' playoff run. French-language Minister Jean-François Roberge asserted that 'Go Habs Go' is a cultural staple in Quebec, leading the office to re-evaluate its position on the anglicism.

The change of heart also comes after internal communications revealed the agency sought clarity from the watchdog on using 'go' in May, only to be granted permission in June. The office acknowledged that 'go' has been ingrained in Quebec's vernacular since the 1980s. However, it maintains that public entities are expected to exemplify the use of French in signage. The transit agency is currently considering its options regarding the reintroduction of the word on bus displays.

Brock Boeser is back with the Vancouver Canucks after a tumultuous negotiation period that saw his future with the team in question. Initially viewed as unlikely to re-sign, the Canucks shifted their focus to acquiring Christian Dvorak from Montreal but ultimately lost out to the Philadelphia Flyers. With limited options left, Vancouver pivoted back to Boeser, who accepted a seven-year contract worth $50.75 million.

Boeser expressed surprise at the outcome, reflecting on the challenging negotiations. He voiced confidence in the team's direction under head coach Adam Foote and feels optimistic about the upcoming season. The Canucks are now looking to solidify their center position, possibly through future trades.

Quebec's language authority, the Office québécois de la langue française, has revised its stance on using the term 'go' to cheer for sports teams. The updated guideline acknowledges 'go' as 'partially legitimized' in supportive contexts, despite earlier pressure to eliminate the term from public signage. This shift follows backlash during the Montreal Canadiens' playoff run, prompting political intervention to uphold the cultural significance of phrases like 'Go Habs Go.' The transit agency has yet to decide whether to revert to using 'go' on bus displays.