NHL on ESPN host Arda Ocal shared his thoughts on Sidney Crosby potentially being traded. Speculation on the Pittsburgh Penguins captain has been building for some time, with many potential suitors.
Crosby, 38, remains the face of the franchise. However, his future with the Penguins has drawn attention due to their lack of success. Many wonder if a rebuild could push their longtime captain to consider other options.
Despite the rumors, Crosby signed a two-year extension with the Penguins last September. His loyalty to the organization has never been in doubt. Ocal believes his future depends on two key factors: the Penguins rebuilding and his desire to win another Stanley Cup.
During his appearance on The Game Plan, Ocal named the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens as potential landing spots. Although Crosby would attract plenty of interest, he has a no no-movement clause in his contract. That means any trade involving him would need his approval.
“[Crosby has been] very loyal and he’s been a team-friendly guy for such a long time, but if he has the hunger to want to win a Stanley Cup again, then certainly [he could be traded],” Ocal said. “We could certainly see a situation where we see him in different threads.”
He added:
“Does he go to Colorado and join his buddy Nathan MacKinnon to try and win a Stanley Cup? Does he go to his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens?”
ESPN Host Arda Ocal Says Montreal Canadiens Might Not Be the Best Fit for Sidney Crosby
Ocal also shared his thoughts on whether the addition of Crosby would help the Canadiens achieve success. The franchise is coming out of a rebuild and have a talented young roster.
The Penguins captain would be a difference maker for any team he joins, especially if they are a Cup contender.
Despite Crosby’s leadership and playoff experience, Ocal doesn’t necessarily believe Montreal would be the right fit for him. His presence could help. However, the ESPN host questioned the Canadiens’ readiness to contend.
“I wonder in that situation. The Habs would still to me not have enough to be Cup contending, even with Crosby,” Ocal told The Game Plan. “They’d certainly be a threat, but I don’t know if they win against the Florida Panthers.”
Ocal Believes Crosby Remains with the Penguins
Despite the growing speculation, Ocal expects Crosby to remain with the franchise. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas will likely receive trade calls, but doesn’t see anything materialize.
Players rarely stay with one team for their entire careers. However, Crosby is among a list of players, including Alexander Ovechkin, to remain with the same team for 20 years.
Crosby entered the NHL in 2005, when the Penguins selected him 1st overall in the NHL Draft. He has won three Stanley Cups, two of them came back-to-back in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
Speaking to The Game Plan, Ocal stated that he believes Crosby will ultimately remain a Penguin until he retires.
“It’s hockey, anything can happen,” Ocal said. “Do I think it’s likely? I’m still not convinced about Crosby. I think it’s still much more likely that he stays a Pittsburgh Penguin for the remainder of his career.”
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