As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, speculation intensifies regarding the futures of Pittsburgh Penguins legends Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. With Malkin likely playing his final season, questions arise about Crosby's future. ESPN's Greg Wyshynski suggests that a slow start could lead to Crosby's departure from Pittsburgh mid-season. Despite their storied history, the Penguins' recent struggles—failing to reach the playoffs since 2022—prompt discussions about a potential rebuild.

The core trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang complicates matters, as their presence implies a commitment to competing for championships. However, with age and declining performance, the Penguins face a pivotal decision. Teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche could be suitable suitors for Crosby should he seek a trade. The looming question remains: how the Penguins will start the upcoming season greatly influences Crosby's trajectory and the franchise's direction.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Dan Muse as their new head coach, ending Mike Sullivan's tenure after three years without playoff appearances. At 42, Muse brings experience from his time as an assistant with the Nashville Predators and the New York Rangers, where he excelled in special teams. Muse steps in to lead a veteran core that includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, all of whom are under contract for at least another season.

Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas speculated on the potential for Crosby to take on a player-coach role, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman expressed skepticism. Friedman believes Crosby, despite his extensive experience, remains focused on competing and winning rather than transitioning to a coaching role. He noted that Muse's hiring might elevate Crosby's influence within the team as they navigate these changes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are transitioning from the Sidney Crosby era, with general manager Kyle Dubas emphasizing that the change will be neither quick nor easy. To facilitate this process, they have appointed Dan Muse as their new head coach. Muse, previously an assistant with the New York Rangers, has a strong record in player development, making him an ideal choice for a team that is looking to blend veteran talent with emerging young players.

Muse replaces Mike Sullivan, who led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups, and must now navigate a roster that features aging stars like Crosby and Evgeni Malkin while integrating promising talent such as Rutger McGroarty. Dubas has also prepared for this shift by accumulating numerous draft picks, giving Muse the tools to build a more sustainable future for the franchise.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are embarking on a pivotal transition as they navigate the final years of the Sidney Crosby era. Under general manager Kyle Dubas, the franchise has hired Dan Muse as their new head coach, replacing Mike Sullivan, who led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Muse's appointment is seen as a strategic move to connect with veteran players while developing younger talent, particularly with the likes of top prospect Rutger McGroarty in the pipeline.

Dubas acknowledges that the adjustment period won't be quick or easy, highlighting the necessity for Muse to balance team continuity and fresh talent integration. The Penguins possess significant draft capital, with 30 selections over the next three drafts, making them well-positioned to build a competitive future. However, they currently face challenges in terms of depth scoring and goaltending, which Muse will need to address to revitalize the team's playoff aspirations.