Speculation surrounding Sidney Crosby's future with the Pittsburgh Penguins intensified during the NHL Draft, fueled by rumors linking him to the Colorado Avalanche. Friend and fellow star Nathan MacKinnon publicly dismissed these rumors as 'fake news.' Penguins GM Kyle Dubas quickly addressed the situation, reinforcing Crosby's pivotal role in the team's plans to return to contention. Crosby's agent Pat Brisson also labeled the rumors as baseless, aligning with Crosby's own desire to retire as a Penguin.

Despite the lack of postseason success in recent years, the Penguins are committed to making a final push for Crosby’s fourth Stanley Cup, especially with both he and Evgeni Malkin under contract through the 2027 season. Crosby, who led the team with 91 points last season, remains under contract until the end of the 2026-2027 season, providing hope for Penguins' fans as the organization looks to revive its competitive edge.