The Penguins aren’t going to be very good in 2025-26. On paper, they’re one Sidney Crosby injury away from being one of the five worst teams in the NHL. They might be headed in that direction even if Crosby stays healthy and continues to defy age.

Crosby is nevertheless the subject of trade rumors this summer, following Pittsburgh's failure to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season and the club's somewhat controversial decision to replace head coach Mike Sullivan with then-New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse.

As the speculation grows around Sidney Crosby potentially asking for a trade out of the Pittsburgh Penguins, an NHL insider unveiled which might be the team's best chance to retain the veteran.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ryan Reaves is on the move. The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have traded Reaves to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun. TRADE: We’ve acquired defenceman Henry Thrun from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Ryan Reaves pic.twitter.com/dZKTlDwXGP

For one, a lot of the Penguins’ underlying numbers in 2024-25 were respectable, especially as they related to generating offense and scoring chances. They were right around the 50 percent mark (or above) with expected goals shares, scoring chance shares and high-danger scoring chances shares, largely due to their ability to create opportunities.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly very interested in dealing away forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

With Rakell and Rust still on the roster, the Penguins can achieve that goal while also providing Crosby with the best opportunities to have at least one more productive season in Pittsburgh.

The Detroit Red Wings have a good amount of cap space ($12 million) and the need for a top-six forward and top-four defenseman.