What Pittsburgh Would Want from Montreal for Sidney Crosby, According to Insiders
Photo credit: Edit from Habs Eyes on the Prize
NHL insider Nick Kypreos and Renaud Lavoie debated what it would take for the Canadiens to land Sidney Crosby, but the price may be set too high.
The Montreal Canadiens are closely monitoring the league's center market, and one name that continues to be in the mix is Sidney Crosby.
Although nothing is forthcoming, the team does seem to be getting ready for any eventuality, now and again, the slim possibility that Crosby might someday request to depart Pittsburgh in search of another Stanley Cup.
Montreal has already demonstrated flexibility, particularly by trading out Carey Price's contract ahead of training camp. That was more than just an accounting maneuver; it was being prepared.
The Canadiens do not want to find themselves without cap space if a significant opportunity arises, be it Crosby or someone else of the top centers. Management is, for the time being, happy to sit back and wait to observe how the market unfolds.
If Crosby were ever to decide he preferred Montreal, the Penguins would have little bargaining power, particularly if he indicated that specific destination.
A 1st Round Pick as Part of the Return Package for Sidney Crosby is Likely a Non-Negotiable for the Penguins
A possible package might consist of a first-round draft selection, a young, talented defenseman like David Reinbacher, or a prospect forward like Oliver Kapanen.
"But knowing the Canadiens management, obviously you can talk about first-round pick here. But after that, they'll probably look, you know, at the Montreal Canadiens D core. Can it, can it be a David David Reinbacher who's, he's a right shot defenseman. Can it be some, someone else on the roster, an Oliver Kapanen and who's right, right now, trying to understand the league. But he's playing way better right now that he did a year ago when he arrived in the NHL. So I believe you have to throw picks. You have to throw probably a couple of really good young players."
- Renaud Lavoie
- Renaud Lavoie
With their current attention turned toward rebuilding, Pittsburgh would most likely opt for youth and draft assets over proven stars.
But top prospects like Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Kaiden Guhle are reportedly off-limits. The Canadiens would not sacrifice their future for a veteran about to expire on his contract, even one as legendary as Crosby.
"But right now, I believe that what the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for is youth and picks. They're in a rebuild mode, so we'll see how things are going to evolve. But don't, don't expect that Juraj Slafkovsky to be traded, or Cole Caufield to be traded, or Kaiden Guhle to be traded. I don't believe that, that's going to be that's, I don't believe it's going to happen."
- Renaud Lavoie
- Renaud Lavoie
For the time being, the Canadiens wait patiently and are ready. It's Crosby or another elite center, and management's message is unambiguous: they're ready for when the moment comes.
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