Elliotte Friedman makes feelings know about Sidney Crosby's possible trade to Nathan MacKinnon's Avalanche

Sidney Crosby is performing well this season but his Pittsburgh Penguins (20-23-8) are struggling. The team was expected to improve this year after missing the playoffs last season. However, their defense has been a big problem ranking league-worst in goals against. So, their chances of making the playoffs seem slim.

Considering the Penguins' struggles, there have been rumors about Crosby’s future. Some linked him to a trade to the Colorado Avalanche, who traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, freeing up cap space. Many feel this would lead to a Crosby-MacKinnon combination in Colorado.

However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman addressed these rumors on Sportsnet. Friedman made it clear that this is not going to happen.

"I don't think so. I know everybody would love that, but I don't think that's in the cards now, no," Friedman said (4:28) on Saturday.

Crosby signed a two-year, $17.4 million deal with the Penguins in September. His loyalty to the team resulted in a team-friendly contract. Crosby clarified his intentions after signing the contract in September.

“Just glad that it’s done and I’m really happy to know that I’ll be here for a few more years," he said via NHL.com. "My last contract, I don’t think I thought about the possibility of still playing beyond that, so I’m just really happy that it’s worked out this way.”

The Penguins under general manager Kyle Dubas are focused on improving through trades before the deadline on March 7.

Chris Johnston also believes Sidney Crosby will stay in Pittsburgh

NHL insider Chris Johnston also believes Sidney Crosby will stay in Pittsburgh. He pointed out Crosby’s no-trade clause and his commitment to the Penguins.

"Unless something changes -- and at this point I have absolutely ZERO reason to believe it will -- Sidney Crosby isn't being traded out of Pittsburgh. He's an untouchable as far as the [Penguins] are concerned, plus he's got a no-movement clause and no desire to be dealt," Johnston said.

Even though the Avalanche cleared cap space, the idea of Crosby joining Nathan MacKinnon seems unlikely.

Crosby has 52 points during the 2024-25 season, including 14 goals and 38 assists. However, his rating has dropped this season to -19.