Insider reveals why the Canadiens hold the upper hand over the Avalanche in the Sidney Crosby trade race
Photo credit: KHL
An NHL insider has revealed why the Montreal Canadiens are currently in a stronger position than the Colorado Avalanche to secure Sidney Crosby in the ongoing trade sweepstakes.
Crosby's name has been linked to the Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens over the course of the offseason.
Canadiens hold the upper hand over the Avalanche in the race for Sidney Crosby.
Ayushi Dutta from Pro Football Network writes that after nearly twenty years of dominance, Crosby's loyalty to Pittsburgh remains unwavering. The three-time Stanley Cup winner continues to perform at an elite level, recently ranking as the NHL's fifth-best center.
His selection to Team Canada's preliminary Olympic roster further underscored his place among hockey's top players. Yet despite his individual brilliance, Crosby's efforts haven't translated into team success in recent seasons, as the Penguins have missed the playoffs since 2021-22.
"Among potential landing spots, Montreal emerges as the most compelling option. The Athletic's Montreal editor-in-chief, Arpon Basu, believes the Canadiens possess the ideal combination of assets to complete such a blockbuster deal." -Dutta
Crosby's personal connection to Montreal, as a lifelong Canadiens fan from Nova Scotia, makes him a highly desirable target despite his age, thanks to his talent and cultural significance.
Here's what Basu explains in his analysis for The Athletic...
«Crosby is 38 yet so exceptional, so legendary and so culturally significant to what the Canadiens are trying to build that there is little doubt they would show that same willingness to do whatever it takes." -Basu
The potential trade goes deeper than Crosby's personal wishes, hinging on the business dynamic between the two franchises. Montreal GM Kent Hughes holds a clear advantage over other suitors, with the precise assets Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas is seeking: "a complex, lucrative haul of promising young players and draft picks."
Still, if circumstances ever push Crosby toward a tough decision, Montreal has the right mix of assets, emotional ties, and championship promise to turn the unthinkable into reality.
While Crosby stays committed to leading the Penguins back into playoff contention, the broader hockey world watches the situation unfold with great anticipation.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 29 ANSWERS Insider reveals why the Canadiens hold the upper hand over the Avalanche in the Sidney Crosby trade race Which team has a better chance of landing Sidney Crosby? | ||
| Colorado Avalanche | 15 | 51.7 % |
| Montreal Canadiens | 14 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
