Canadiens Rumours: Crosby Situation Feeds Speculation

The Montreal Canadiens still need to find a talented centre to improve their roster, which has led to a resurgence in rumours involving Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby.

Before we get going, it’s important to take all the comments, not to mention my own, with a grain of salt. Crosby has stated several times that he maintains loyalty towards the Penguins.

With that in mind, given that Pittsburgh has struggled in the last few seasons, to the tune of three consecutive seasons without qualifying for the playoffs, the door that would lead to a move has been opened.

The Athletic recently published a piece pushing the idea that Crosby would be open to a trade involving the Canadiens, including a few interesting quotes from Crosby, as well as his agent, Pat Brisson.

Crosby has always held a certain level of admiration for the hockey culture in Montreal, in addition to growing up as a Habs fan, facts he confirmed to The Athletic.

“Trust me, growing up a Montreal fan and being from not too far from there, I understand how passionate they are.” he said. “You know whether it’s those experiences or guys that I’ve played with that have played there, or playing there in the playoffs or 4 Nations — all these different things — I get it.”

It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re losing to hear those things. But at the same time, to know that a team like that wants you, it’s not the end of the world. It could be worse. Yeah, I think that’s just part of it.”

As much as I would like to interpret the quotes as an indication that he wants to play for the Canadiens, it’s important to remember that Crosby’s media training, like most other things in his life, falls on the elite side of things. He picks his words quite carefully.

In that vein, it appears that Crosby is simply acknowledging the passion driving the fan culture in Montreal. The most interesting part of the quote is Crosby admitting that the lack of success in Pittsburgh has had an impact on his short-term outlook.

Crosby is the ultimate competitor, and like all generational athletes, he’s not accustomed to losing, making the last few years in Pittsburgh difficult to accept for someone who has built a career on winning.

His agent, on the other hand, used a heavier hand when discussing the situation.

Brisson made it quite clear that Crosby’s goal is to participate in the playoffs every season, with a chance to add another Stanley Cup or two to the mix. He also reminded everyone that the speculation about a possible move was only made possible due Pittsburgh’s struggles, while also adding that he hopes the season starts off well for the Penguins, as it would lead to a downtick in speculation.

But he never shut the door to a possible trade.

“I mean, I’m answering something that … let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?” he said. “It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is going to do. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion.”

Brisson is among the most influential, experienced, and powerful voices in hockey. If there was no possibility for a trade, he would have shut down the comments in short order.

But he didn’t.

He left the door ajar, adding to the speculation that was already growing.

Again, we have to remember that both Brisson and Crosby were asked about the future, and were answering questions specifically designed to feed the rumours.

You’d be hard-pressed to suggest any sort of decision is imminent, based on those comments, while also acknowledging that there’s a possibility the situation may change, perhaps even by the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, set for March 6.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

There’s no denying adding a player of Crosby’s stature would be a coup for the Canadiens, both from a public relations and roster construction standpoint. It’s also difficult to ignore the Habs went out of their way to improve their financial manoeuvrability when they traded Carey Price’s contract to the San Jose Sharks.

By the time the trade deadline rolls around, the Canadiens will have roughly $20 million in cap space available should they maintain their current roster without adding an expensive player to the payroll.

That would be more than enough to add Crosby, as well as a few other upgrades should the opportunity arise.

And yet, given the history of Montreal, a city that was used by plenty of NHL stars before Crosby to gain leverage in contract discussions, the best way forward is cautious optimism, even if Crosby isn’t using Montreal as leverage in any sort of negotiation.

It’s a dream that may come true, while also being held back by a bevy of real-life factors that will come into play once the 2025-26 season begins next month.

It should also be noted Crosby took a direct approach with a different journalist, as evidenced by his comments on NHL.com.

“I’m worried about playing for Pittsburgh.” said Crosby. “I haven’t seriously considered anything else.”