The Colorado Avalanche could become a destination for this impending free-agent superstar

The Colorado Avalanche could become a destination for Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby if he hits the open market next summer.

Thus far, Crosby and the Penguins have been unable to hammer out a contract extension, raising concerns about Crosby’s desire to remain in Pittsburgh.

While Crosby has said all the right things, questions still linger about the 36-year-old inking a new deal with the Pens.

Daily Faceoff recently quoted Crosby, stating:

 “I’m pretty optimistic it’s going to get done [before the season]. I don’t know what day specifically, but it’s been really positive. It hasn’t been a difficult process at all.”

On the surface, the words seem reassuring to Penguins fans. But at a deeper level, the lack of a firm timeline should be concerning. Of course, it’s impossible to attach an exact time and date on this issue. But it’s the vagueness of the comments that should be a tip-off.

So, why would Crosby want to leave the Pittsburgh Penguins? There are two main reasons.

First, the Penguins are trending in the wrong direction. The club has missed the playoffs for the last two seasons in a row and doesn’t seem likely to turn things around.

Second, the Penguins look to be headed toward a rebuild. As such, Crosby may not be keen on spending his final seasons on a bottom-feeding team. Crosby may choose to go the way Patrick Kane did and try his luck elsewhere.

If that’s the case, where would Crosby go?

Making the case for Sidney Crosby joining the Colorado Avalanche

The entire case for Crosby joining the Colorado Avalanche hinges on Crosby wanting to play on a contending team for a chance at one final Stanley Cup.

Now, if Crosby is happy with his three Cups, he can ride off into the sunset with the Penguins. But if winning one final Cup is something important to him, Crosby will want to join a contending team.

That proposition leaves a handful of teams that Crosby could choose. The Edmonton Oilers jump to mind. But frankly, they don’t have the cap space.

Then, there are the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dallas Stars. All of those teams could offer Crosby a legitimate shot at a Cup, but do come with a higher degree of scrutiny, especially Toronto. I’ve even argued that Crosby could join the New York Islanders.

But the Colorado Avalanche offers a unique opportunity. The Avs have the best center in the league. The club has a solid cast of supporting characters and has won before. All of those elements make Colorado an attractive destination.

Crosby could easily slide in behind Nathan MacKinnon as the number-two center, playing with young wingers like Nikolai Kovalenko and Artturi Lehkonen.

Plus, Colorado is only two years removed from its last Cup. The Avs are still within a solid window of contention.

Lastly, the contract terms itself shouldn’t factor as much into a potential contract for Sidney Crosby. Crosby may be inclined to sign a deal similar to the one he has now. Perhaps a four-year deal may be enough to secure the deal.

While this idea is purely speculation, it’s worth keeping an eye on. The Penguins are headed toward an inevitable rebuild. Contending teams may want to keep tabs on number 87’s decision to stay or leave Pittsburgh.