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

Sidney Crosby has been with the Penguins for the greater part of two decades, but is there a strong possibility that he leaves Pittsburgh in the near future?

Feb 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) prepares
Feb 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) prepares | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Crosby landing in Detroit would be Steve Yzerman’s biggest blockbuster move

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s eyes are probably lighting up at the possibility of bringing Sidney Crosby to the Motor City in the near future. Sure, Jake Guentzel would be great for the Red Wings, but landing Sidney Crosby, a player who once beat Detroit to win the Stanley Cup in 2009, would be nothing short of epic. 

Detroit is already one of the NHL’s better teams, especially on offense. But a complete player like Crosby would add another legitimate scoring threat offensively while helping the team become more competent without the puck. 

Should Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas start fielding calls for Crosby following the 2023-24 season or during the 2024-25 season, expect Yzerman to be among the first to make an inquiry. And not just that: Imagine a situation where the Red Wings hold onto Patrick Kane, bring Crosby to town, and win their first Stanley Cup since 2008 with a pair of legends from the 2000s and 2010s. 

We have covered a pair of feel-good scenarios with Crosby leading a young Blackhawks team and lifting the Sabres out of the NHL’s longest playoff drought. But for him to join one of the league's most storied franchises while teaming up with another future Hall of Famer in the process? Yeah, that would be more than an enticing story and the Red Wings would be a lot of fun to follow.