Mock Blockbuster Links Sidney Crosby to Canadiens in Major Trade Scenario

Montreal has emerged in trade chatter as it plans moves after moving Carey Price's contract. Insider Pierre LeBrun named the Canadiens as one of two teams most strongly connected to Sidney Crosby as questions linger about his long-term future in Pittsburgh. LeBrun said Colorado is the other club in the mix, partly because of Crosby’s Nova Scotia ties to Nathan MacKinnon. Ultimately, Crosby and his agent Pat Brisson will decide how the situation unfolds. Against that backdrop, Heavy Sports writer Caleb Kerney sketched a dramatic hypothetical deal that would send Crosby to Montreal. In the mock swap Montreal would acquire Sidney Crosby, while Pittsburgh would receive Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, prospect Owen Beck, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick. The Canadiens’ incentive to pursue Crosby is obvious: a top-line center remains their biggest deficiency. Adding Crosby alongside Nick Suzuki would immediately strengthen Montreal’s top six and give the club a proven elite playmaker capable of boosting their Stanley Cup odds despite being 39 and aging. For the Penguins, the proposed return would be significant. Patrik Laine, 27, could enter his prime in Pittsburgh, Kir...