Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin's recent acquisition of Quinn Hughes has sparked speculation about his next big move, with some insiders wondering if Sidney Crosby could be a potential target. Guerin, known for his bold decisions since taking the helm in 2019, has a history of making impactful trades and signings. This aggressive approach has led to speculation that he might be interested in acquiring Crosby, a former teammate with whom he won a Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh.
TSN insider Chris Johnston fueled the rumor mill by suggesting that if Crosby ever became available, Guerin might be interested, given their history. Johnston noted that while it's premature to call it a rumor, the connection between Guerin and Crosby is worth considering.
Crosby, currently 38 years old, is still performing at an elite level, with 34 points (19 goals, 15 assists) in 31 games this season. He is in the first year of a two-year, $17.4 million contract extension with the Penguins, which he signed in September 2024. The contract carries an average annual value of $8.7 million and runs through the 2026-27 season.
Despite Crosby's commitment to Pittsburgh, the idea of him joining forces with Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov, and Guerin in Minnesota is intriguing. The Wild are looking to strengthen their center position, and Crosby would undoubtedly fill that need. However, Crosby's loyalty to the Penguins remains a significant obstacle.
Throughout his NHL career, Crosby has only played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Selected first overall by the Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby ranks 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points (592 goals, 1004 assists). He has cemented his legacy in Pittsburgh by signing a team-friendly contract.
While the Penguins had a strong start to the 2025-26 season, a recent five-game losing streak has raised concerns. If the team's struggles continue, speculation about Crosby's future may resurface. Some analysts believe that the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche would be the frontrunners to acquire Crosby if he were to be traded. The Florida Panthers have also been mentioned as a strong possibility.
Several factors could influence Crosby's decision to stay in Pittsburgh or consider a move. His desire to win another Stanley Cup, his concern for his public image, and the team's performance will all play a role. Ultimately, any trade would require Crosby's approval, as he has a no-trade clause in his contract.
As the season progresses, the rumors surrounding Crosby's future are likely to persist. Whether Guerin and the Wild make a serious push to acquire him remains to be seen, but the possibility is certainly a topic of discussion within NHL circles.
