Top 5 teams that would be epic landing spots for Sidney Crosby if he leaves the Penguins

While it seems highly unlikely at this point that Sidney Crosby will play anywhere else, the possibility is more than open, considering his cost-effective value and the possibility of the Pittsburgh Penguins missing the playoffs for the second straight season, which hasn’t occurred since 2002-03 and 2003-04. A legendary player like Crosby would want to end his career on a high note, but unless the Penguins do something drastic, perhaps he won’t be in Pittsburgh much longer. 

If the Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes do open, expect a strong contingent of the NHL’s 32 teams to call general manager Kyle Dubas and inquire about what the price tag will be. Crosby’s contract will expire next season, but since it is far more reasonable in its final years with a salary of just $3 million, quite a few teams could afford to make room for the future Hall of Fame forward.  

While many teams can land Crosby via trade, whether something like this were to happen in the 2024 offseason or at some point during the 2024-25 season, there are five who would be not just ideal, but some of the most entertaining landing spots in hockey. 

Sure, he could always join a serious contender for 2024-25, or he could land somewhere more under-the-radar, sign a reasonable extension, and help a team either overachieve or even snag its first Cup in a while, or ever. The following teams listed feature some serious contenders, but also rebuilding organizations with enticing cores that would have a leader in the longtime Penguin. 

So which teams would figure to be excellent fits for Sidney Crosby if he ends up going elsewhere this offseason, at some point before the trade deadline in 2025, or following the 2024-25 season assuming he’s not a surprise add-on to the 2024 deadline? Here are five ideal landing spots for Number 87.