Potential trade package revealed if Sidney Crosby accepts trade out of Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the postseason for the past two straight years and the rebuilding is officially under way. Fans have been wondering if captain Sidney Crosby will leave the sinking ship and rumours of a pending trade have been buzzing for months. Though everyone points to Crosby’s loyalty, it sounds like it has become more and more possible that the Pens’ captain won’t finish his playing career with Pittsburgh.

On his podcast, insider Chris Johnston claimed that the possibility of his availability is a topic of discussion around the league, though he did specify that no one knows Crosby’s intentions.

Nick Kypreos has recently linked him to the Montreal Canadiens and Greg Wyshynski added his take, and NHL analyst Pierre McGuire has recently also linked him to the Habs on Melnick in the afternoon on TSN. McGuire even provided what it would take for the Canadiens to be able to pry Crosby out of Pittsburgh, claiming it would take:

-a first-round pick

-a top prospect,

-AND and NHL player (“and a great one at that”) to land Crosby.

Are we talking about a player like Nick Suzuki, or Ivan Demidov, or what about Calder winner defenseman Lane Hutson?

How badly do the fanbase in Montreal want to see Crosby in a Habs’ jersey?

Anything is possible in the NHL, I mean, we’ve seen it when Wayne Gretzky got traded. However, for now, there’s nothing to suggest Crosby wants out and all of the trade rumours sound for now like wishful thinking.

Elliotte Friedman recently discussed the chatter as well on his 32 Thoughts podcast and he explained how Crosby is not enjoying the ongoing buzz. The insider however noted that if nothing was being reported a possible trade and there was no reaction from the Penguins’ captain, then it could hint at a pending move.

“I know everyone asks about Sidney Crosby; I’ve said people in Crosby’s orbit want him to go; Crosby hates it when this stuff starts; someone said to me if you really want Crosby to leave, don’t talk about it.”

Crosby has extended his contract to 2027 and many fans and pundits do no expect him to leave the Penguins. His loyalty to the team has been mentioned every single time a trade rumour has come up.