The rumors claiming the Montreal Canadiens are the frontrunners for future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby are nothing new. At this point, the speculation has gotten to the point of exhaustion.
However, an interview with Crosby published in The Athletic on September 9 has rekindled the speculation about Crosby heading to the Canadiens.
Crosby spoke to The Athletic during the NHL Player Media Tour this week. During the conversation, Crosby and his agent Pat Brisson were adamant about wanting to remain in Pittsburgh for life.
However, Brisson left the door open for a potential trade. He stated:
“I mean, I’m answering something that … let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?”
Brisson can’t outright declare that a trade is imminent. Nevertheless, his politically correct statement made it clear that Crosby could be on the move. As LeBrun speculated in his piece, Crosby could be willing to accept a trade given the Penguins’ rapid decline.
Given how the Penguins are unlikely to make the playoffs yet again this season, a move to his boyhood team, the Montreal Canadiens, seems inevitable.
LeBrun noted that the Penguins don’t have much say in this situation. If Crosby wants out of Pittsburgh, he will direct negotiations. That situation could put the Penguins in a bind. But it’s something they’ll have to do if their captain requires it.
Canadiens Won’t Have to Pay a King’s Ransom for Crosby
If Sidney Crosby is serious about leaving Pittsburgh, the Penguins won’t be able to ask for much in return. If anything, the Penguins will have to take whatever Crosby’s chosen team offers.
The Canadiens have been clear about not wanting to move top prospects or current roster players in trades. The Habs will mainly offer futures in exchange for valuable pieces.
So, could the Habs move several draft picks for Crosby? Perhaps a trade involving Crosby could encourage the Canadiens to move a top prospect like David Reinbacher.
It’s hard to fathom what the asking price for Crosby could be at this point. Even at 38, Crosby is an elite player. He remains above a point-per-game player. His showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off shows that he hasn’t lost much at this point in his career.
Crosby would be the ultimate addition for the Canadiens. While other teams may be willing to pay more for Crosby, it’s the Penguins captain who has the final say in the move. At this point, it’s likely that Brisson has surveyed the landscape and knows where the best deal could lie.
Crosby Could Wait to See How Penguins Fare this Season
Declaring a trade in mid-September might be somewhat premature. Training camp hasn’t begun yet. So, it might be wise to employ a wait-and-see attitude with the Penguins. If the club gets off to a better-than-expected start, it might delay the inevitable decision involving a trade.
But if the Penguins get off to a disastrous start, it could only accelerate the speculation regarding a trade.
Ultimately, an eventual trade to the Canadiens will largely depend on what the Penguins do this season. Pittsburgh has one last chance to keep its captain in the fold before the club has no choice but to move him.
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