While Sidney Crosby agreed to a two-year contract extension in September that included a full no-trade clause and could keep him with the Pittsburgh Penguins through at least the 2026-27 NHL season, the struggles the Penguins have endured from October through Monday's 2-1 loss to the lowly San Jose Sharks (15-32-6) resulted in Crosby being the subject of trade rumors for the second consecutive winter.

Crosby signed a two-year extension last September. He has repeatedly said he plans to only play for the Penguins. He has a full no-trade clause. Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Penguins, wants him to be part of the organization for the rest of his life.

The Avalanche sent Rantanen, a pending unrestricted free agent, to the Carolina Hurricanes, receiving Martin Necas, Jack Drury and two draft picks in return. With the Chicago Blackhawks taking on 50% of Rantanen’s cap hit in the deal, Colorado has $5.6 million in cap space, fueling speculation about an upcoming major addition.