For years, the Pittsburgh Penguins organization has built its roster around its core players: Sidney Crosby, Kristopher Letang, and Evgeni Malkin.

In doing so, they’ve sacrificed their future in favor of the present.

Time and again, they had opportunities to trade a veteran to bring in young talent, but the team’s management chose instead to keep their captain happy and give him one last chance at winning the ultimate prize.

As a result, the Penguins now have one of the oldest teams in the league and one of the weakest prospect pools in the NHL. The worst part, the team isn’t even winning this season..

Earlier this week, the Penguins who, let’s be clear, are not in a rebuild, suffered a crushing 7-1 defeat against the Dallas Stars.

This overwhelming loss led former NHLer Paul Bissonnette to dream about a trade involving number 87.

Unfortunately for him, it seems the captain, who recently signed a contract extension through the end of the 2026-2027 season, isn’t going anywhere.

According to reporter Taylor Haase, who covers the Penguins for DK Pittsburgh Sports, everyone on the team is available for trade, except number 87.

«Kyle Dubas has made it known to other teams that everyone is available, except 87.»

If losses like this keep piling up, the rumor mill in Pittsburgh is sure to spiral out of control.

The names Kristopher Letang and Evgeni Malkin will dominate social media, and you can bet there will be attempts to link them to the Canadiens.

Kris Letang and the Montreal Canadiens: A Familiar Story

Let’s not forget that earlier this summer, journalist Mark Madden claimed the Quebec defenseman wanted to finish his career with the Canadiens. Letang, of course, denied the rumor, but the damage was done.

At 37 years old, with a history of injuries and a $6.1M contract lasting until the end of 2027-2028, let’s hope Kent Hughes steers clear of his former client.