Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers) Speculation about Sidney Crosby’s future in the NHL is heating up once again. With two years left on his $17.4 million contract, and after the Pittsburgh Penguins finished near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division last season, trade rumors surrounding the veteran star have gained momentum. His recent game-winning performance for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off further fueled questions about whether Crosby’s next chapter could be with a Canadian franchise like the Montreal Canadiens.
Why Sidney Crosby to Canadiens trade is under serious debate
On TSN’s FanDuel OverDrive, analysts Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill, and Jamie McLennan debated what a potential trade package might include. O’Neill argued that the deal “probably starts with Lane Hutson or something,” suggesting the Canadiens could offer top-tier prospects. McLennan countered by emphasizing that draft picks and prospects would likely play a bigger role than established young stars. “I don’t think it’s somebody on their live roster that is playing. Like it’s not Demidov,” he said.Despite differing opinions, Hayes pointed out that cap space wouldn’t be a hurdle, noting Montreal had already cleared $10.5 million in space. The conversation became more pointed when Hayes asked, “Would you do Demidov straight up for Sid right now?” O’Neill replied without hesitation, “Of course. To bring in Sidney Crosby into the fold, to get a couple of years out of him.”
Is Sidney Crosby still the game-changer Montreal needs?
At 38 years old, Crosby remains remarkably productive, having scored 31 goals and 84 points in 80 games last season. However, McLennan questioned whether Montreal is realistically positioned to contend for a Stanley Cup in Crosby’s remaining elite window, stating, “Is Montreal a Cup winner in two years? I don’t see that.”Also Read: Brad Marchand could finish his career with Anaheim Ducks despite Florida Panthers deal, predicts NHL analystAs the Canadiens aim to build on their recent playoff return, this debate highlights the tough decisions teams face when balancing immediate star power with long-term development.