Sidney Crosby Trade Rumors Intensify as Canadiens and Avalanche Emerge as Top Contenders…
The NHL off-season has taken a dramatic turn as trade speculation surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby gains serious traction. With multiple insiders reporting active discussions, the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche have emerged as the frontrunners to acquire the future Hall of Famer in what could become the most significant trade in recent league history.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that both Montreal and Colorado have made preliminary offers to Pittsburgh’s front office. While no official deal is in place, the growing expectation is that the Penguins are finally ready to entertain parting ways with their franchise icon—albeit under the right circumstances.
Penguins Eye Rebuild, Crosby Open to Change
After missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, Pittsburgh appears poised for a strategic rebuild. Crosby, now 38 but still playing at an elite level, has one year remaining on his contract. Though long believed to be a “Penguin for life,” Crosby has reportedly expressed openness to a move if it benefits the franchise’s long-term goals.
“Sid’s priority has always been doing what’s best for the team,” an NHL executive told The Athletic. “If moving on helps the Penguins get a jumpstart on a rebuild, he won’t stand in the way.”
Canadiens: A Storybook Ending?
In Montreal, the idea of Crosby returning to his home province of Quebec has captivated fans. General Manager Kent Hughes, a fellow Nova Scotian and longtime family friend of Crosby, has been quietly working behind the scenes to prepare a competitive offer. With a stocked prospect pool and multiple first-round picks in hand, the Canadiens have both the assets and the motivation to make a splash.
“He grew up idolizing the Canadiens,” said RDS analyst Marc Denis. “This could be a dream ending to a legendary career—coming home to help rebuild a storied franchise.”
Montreal’s reported offer includes a combination of top prospects—possibly including Lane Hutson or Owen Beck—along with draft picks and cap flexibility to absorb Crosby’s $8.7 million salary.
Avalanche: A Return to Contention?
The Colorado Avalanche, meanwhile, are no strangers to blockbuster moves. With Nathan MacKinnon—a close friend of Crosby—and a core still in its prime, the Avs see Crosby as the missing piece to recapture the Stanley Cup they won in 2022.
Insiders suggest Colorado is willing to move a key forward (possibly Alex Newhook or Bowen Byram), a top prospect, and a conditional 2026 first-rounder to land the Penguins captain.
“Imagine Crosby and MacKinnon on the same power play unit,” said TSN’s Darren Dreger. “It would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.”
A Decision Looms
Though both contenders are actively negotiating, the final decision will rest with Crosby and the Penguins’ upper management. Given his full no-move clause, Crosby holds the power to dictate where—and if—he’ll go. Still, with training camp less than two months away, many believe a deal could materialize quickly.
“This won’t drag out into the season,” a league source stated. “It’s either going to happen in the next few weeks—or not at all.”
If Crosby is indeed moved, it will mark the end of an era in Pittsburgh—but the beginning of a new chapter in NHL history.
Follow @phogammedia for live updates on the Sidney Crosby sweepstakes.
