Sidney Crosby speaks on if Jake Guentzel's trade out of Pittsburgh Penguins held any message from top management

Following a 6-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, Sidney Crosby addressed the departure of teammate Jake Guentzel before the trade was officially announced.

“He’s a great teammate, a friend," Crosby told The Athletic. "I think he did everything he possibly could in his time here. It was just a privilege to play with him for the course of the time. Some great memories. It was a privilege. That’s all I can say.”

When pressed about the message this trade sends from management, Crosby deferred, saying:

“I don’t know. That’s probably a better question for them.”

As the Penguins struggle and their playoff hopes diminish gradually, Crosby said his focus remained on the game.

“I hope [for a quick turnaround]. That would be great.”

Reflecting on the current state of the Penguins, Crosby acknowledged the challenges ahead.

“I think the trade deadline’s always a little tough, but I think the circumstances — yeah, it weighed a little heavier.”

Guentzel and Crosby were teammates since the­ 2016-17 NHL season. They secured the­ Stanley Cup in Guenztel's rookie season. The win marked Crosby's third championship.

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Sidney Crosby unlikely to force a trade to chase another Stanley Cup

Sidney Crosby, regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, faces a pivotal juncture in his career, with the Pittsburgh Penguins likely missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

At 36, Crosby's window for championship contention may be narrowing, leading some to speculate if he should request a trade to pursue another Stanley Cup elsewhere.

Despite the Penguins' need for a rebuild and the allure of joining a contender, Sidney Crosby's loyalty to Pittsburgh remains steadfast.

"I'd love to [remain a Penguin forever]. That's been the case since Day 1. I feel really fortunate to have been drafted here," he said last year. "I have great memories. I've got to play with two teammates specifically for a really long time - so I'd love that to be the case."