Let’s be honest: the buzz heading into this season around the Pittsburgh Penguins was… unsettling. For the first time, the “what if?” scenarios involving a Sidney Crosby trade felt less like fantasy and more like a desperate whisper campaign. But as we’ve rocketed through the first stretch of the regular season, that deafening noise has evaporated. Poof. Gone.
The reason? It’s simple. The Penguins are winning.
This isn’t just a fan’s hopeful observation; it’s the core truth that has stalled the entire NHL rumor mill. Insider Pierre LeBrun confirmed what many of us are seeing: the chatter about possible destinations for Sid has completely quieted down. This strong start is the best antidote to speculation.
The Dubas Effect: Clarity, Not Chaos, in Pittsburgh
What we’re witnessing is the Kyle Dubas plan in action. Since his arrival, Dubas has been consistent. He communicated clearly with Crosby and his agent, laying out a two-pronged strategy: build for the long-term without sacrificing the present. He intended to be competitive now, and so far, the team is validating that vision.
Frankly, the idea of a Crosby trade was always a media construct built on a “worst-case” scenario. It ignored the man himself—a fiercely loyal, generational talent who wants to win in Pittsburgh. The “experts” predicting a trade conveniently overlooked that this core, when healthy and supported, is still elite. The Penguins aren’t just winning; they look rejuvenated. The “surprisingly strong start,” as LeBrun calls it, is only a surprise to those who wrote this team off too early.
The real question, as LeBrun rightly wonders, is sustainability. Can they maintain this pace? That remains to be seen. But for now, this hot start isn’t just banking points; it’s buying silence. It’s a powerful statement from the front office and the locker room that the window isn’t as closed as everyone believed.
The Ripple Effect: It’s Not Just About Sid
And make no mistake, this effect isn’t just protecting Crosby. This sudden surge of competence effectively takes Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell off the trade block as well. Winning is the ultimate solvent for rumors. As long as the Penguins stay in the hunt, the “what if they sell?” narrative is dead on arrival. The core is here to compete, and for the first time in a while, they have the start to prove it.
Find the Latest Pittsburgh Penguins News
Want to find the latest Pittsburgh Penguins news and analysis? You’ve come to the right place. Join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes, and check our listings for how to watch the Penguins game on TV today. Add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below for all the breaking updates.
