Potential Sidney Crosby Trade to Montreal Addressed Directly by Canadiens Sportsnet Analyst

In his latest mailbag, Sportsnet's Eric Engels had ideas about the increasing hype of Sidney Crosby possibly playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

Engels dismissed the idea as a rumor, pointing out there's no indication Crosby wants to leave the Pittsburgh Penguins, an organization he's always shown he wants to play for the rest of his life.

All that notwithstanding, Engels did say a move is plausible. If Crosby ever had a mind to leave, Montreal would not be the only destination he could head to.

Colorado would also be a logical destination given his close friendship with Nathan MacKinnon, and Los Angeles could also be in the picture, given recent front office changes and Crosby's friendship with agent Pat Brisson.

But if Montreal did make the shortlist of Crosby's options, Engels believes that the Canadiens would best be able to meet Pittsburgh's asking price. The Avs or Kings, on the other hand, do not have as deep a well of draft prospects and draft picks.

The deal they would offer might include several first-rounders, a top-second-rounder, and NHL-ready players like Logan Mailloux or Oliver Kapanen, as well as absorbing Crosby's full $8.7 million cap hit.

Engels explained there's no sign Crosby is looking to depart. But if that ever were to occur, Montreal's abundance of assets would give them a real, though speculative, chance. In the meantime, though, it's merely a fascinating "what-if.".