Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) faces off against Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) in the third period overtime of an NHL hockey game Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Friday Faceoff: Should the Colorado Avalanche trade for NHL superstar Sidney Crosby?

While many have downplayed the idea of a trade involving Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, the truth is that the franchise could do well kick-starting a full rebuild by moving its star players.

Nathan MacKinnon outdueled his good buddy Sidney Crosby as the Colorado Avalanche beat the struggling Penguins, 4-1, Tuesday at Ball Arena.

DENVER — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was encouraged by much of the Pittsburgh Penguins game Tuesday. So, too, was coach Mike Sullivan who had little to criticize as his team outplayed Stanley Cup contender Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena.

Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby teamed up to help Canada win the 4 Nations Face-Off last month, and now the good friends from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, will be back battling each other when the Colorado Avalanche meet the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night in Denver.

Everything points to the Penguins and the Avalanche coming together for a Sidney Crosby deal at the NHL trade deadline or in the offseason.

Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon played a key role in helping Team Canada win gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament by defeating the United States 3-2. On Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 at Ball Arena. Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring for the Avs after giving them a 1-0 lead 6:36 into the second period.

Sidney Crosby analyzed the Pittsburgh Penguins' current form in the 2024-25 NHL season with a focus on their loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Even after all the speculation, NHL insiders Kyle Johnston and Pierre LeBrun reported that the Penguins have no plans to trade their franchise legend before Friday's deadline but are willing to make other moves.

Crosby's name gained traction in rumors after he played alongside Avs forward and longtime friend Nathan MacKinnon at the 4 Nations Face-Off, fueling speculation about a reunion in Colorado. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun reported on Monday that Pittsburgh has no plans to move Crosby.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a series of moves that suggest GM Kyle Dubas was cleaning out the current roster of players for prospects and picks. Don’t let that fool you.