The possibility of Sidney Crosby leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins, once considered an impossibility, has recently become a tangible discussion, with the Montreal Canadiens emerging as a potential destination. While a trade is not imminent, developments suggest Montreal could be uniquely positioned to pull off a blockbuster deal if Crosby seeks a change of scenery.
Crosby, at 38 years old, remains an elite player, but his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain as the team navigates a rebuild and potential ownership changes. At the recent NHL/NHLPA media tour in Las Vegas, Crosby didn't dismiss trade possibilities, suggesting openness to discussion.
Montreal's appeal lies in its deep prospect pool, including top-five picks like Ivan Demidov and David Reinbacher, along with first-rounder Filip Mešár. This collection of young talent is attractive to Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas, who would likely seek a combination of draft picks and NHL-ready players to accelerate Pittsburgh's rebuild. While the Canadiens have untouchable players, they possess enticing options.
Montreal is looking to improve their second-line center position, and Crosby would be a significant upgrade, enhancing their playoff competitiveness. Acquiring Crosby would not only improve their chances of winning immediately but also ensure they remain competitive throughout his contract and any potential extensions. Few teams possess the combination of young assets and willingness to invest in a player of Crosby's caliber, making the Canadiens a viable partner.
However, timing and fit are crucial. Montreal must balance its roster-building needs with the potential trade, protecting core prospects like Demidov while offering a package that satisfies Pittsburgh. Crosby would want to join a team ready to compete, not one depleted by the acquisition. While theoretical, the alignment of Crosby's potential departure, Montreal's rising roster, and Pittsburgh's rebuild creates an intriguing possibility as the 2025-26 season approaches.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, has also hinted at the possibility of Crosby moving to another team. Brisson stated that Crosby should be playing playoff hockey every year. Crosby himself acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with losing, further stoking the rumors.
Elliotte Friedman of "32 Thoughts" suggested that a Crosby trade, if it were to happen, would likely occur after the Olympics, depending on the Penguins' standing. He also noted that the return for Crosby would be significant, requiring a top prospect and a high draft pick. While Crosby has a no-movement clause and the ultimate decision rests with him, another poor season in Pittsburgh could intensify the pressure for him to seek a new team. Chris Johnston of TSN believes that the Canadiens and Avalanche are the frontrunners if Crosby were to be traded.
The Canadiens have already freed up cap space by trading Carey Price's contract, giving them more flexibility to make a move for a player like Crosby. Montreal has also been linked to other centers, such as Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins, indicating their desire to improve their top-six forwards. Names like Joshua Roy, Oliver Kapanen, and Jayden Struble have been mentioned as potential trade pieces.
