3 massive trades Pittsburgh Penguins can make after Sidney Crosby's team-friendly extension

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Sep 16, 2024 22:35 GMT

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby stays put after signing a team-friendly, two-year, $17.4 million extension. But keeping Crosby is only the beginning. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas will need to look into upgrading the club to keep its competitive window open.

With that in mind, here is a look at three potential trades the Penguins could consider now that Crosby’s contract extension is a done deal.

3 massive trades Pittsburgh Penguins can make after Sidney Crosby's team-friendly extension

#1. Jonathan Huberdeau

Huberdeau arrived in Calgary following a massive trade with the Florida Panthers in 2022. The deal sent Matthew Tkachuk to the Panthers, with Huberdeau returning to the Flames.

At the time of the deal, Huberdeau was coming off a 115-point season. Since then, he has struggled to live up to that billing. Huberdeau has managed back-to-back 50-plus-point seasons, making little impact in Calgary.

With the Flames heading toward a rebuild, the Pittsburgh Penguins could utilize a talented winger to play with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. While Huberdeau has a massive cap hit in place, Dubas is smart enough to find a way to make the deal work.

#2. Brock Boeser

The Vancouver Canucks must figure out what to do with Brock Boeser. He is an impending free agent this summer. As such, the Canucks would love to keep him. But there is no guarantee the club might be able to do so given its current cap situation.

If the Canucks feel that keeping Boeser may be too difficult, the club may explore moving Boeser at some point this season. As such, the Pens could find a great winger for Crosby in Boeser.

Of course, the Pens need to figure out a contract extension for Boeser. But getting an extension may be easier once Boeser puts on a Penguins jersey.

#3. Igor Shesterkin

Shesterkin is entering the final year of his current deal with the New York Rangers. Thus far, Shesterkin and the Rangers have kept quiet on a potential contract extension. While both sides have reiterated that negotiations have been ongoing in good faith, little progress has been made.

Thus, the Pittsburgh Penguins could kick the tires on Shesterkin, especially since the Pens have lacked a true number-one goalie since the Vezina-caliber days of Marc-Andre Fleury.

The cost to acquire and sign Shesterkin could be massive. But it’s a deal worth exploring, especially since the Pens have three more seasons of Sidney Crosby on the books.