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.

After the loss, Sullivan provided his thoughts on Malkin's absence from the lineup. “He's an important player for us,” the Penguins bench boss said, via NHL.com. “He's a top-two center, he's dynamic with the puck. He's not an easy guy to replace.”