The Sidney Crosby-to-Montreal chatter has a simple hinge point: Crosby himself.
Pittsburgh has already signaled that it is willing to hear offers, and with a 6-10-2 record and a 29th-place standing overall, the Penguins have every reason to at least listen. But according to NHL insider David Pagnotta, that does not mean a deal is actually on the table. The key detail is whether Crosby wants a change.
Sunday’s 5-2 loss in Anaheim only poured more gasoline on the speculation, and Monday brought another layer when Eric Engels raised the idea of Crosby landing with the Canadiens. Pagnotta’s message, though, was blunt: the Penguins can take calls all they want, but unless their captain asks out, there is nothing to move forward on.
That leaves Montreal in a waiting game. The Canadiens have been tied to Crosby in the rumor mill, but there is no real path unless he is open to leaving Pittsburgh. Pagnotta said any departure would amount to a complete 180-degree turn for Crosby, who has never publicly said he wants out.
Still, the conversation has picked up because of what Josh Yohe noted last Friday. Crosby’s tone when discussing his future sounded different, and at 39, with his contract set to expire after this season, that naturally got people talking.
Even with Pittsburgh struggling, Crosby is still producing. He has 13 points in 18 games, with 6 goals, and his career total now sits at 1,774 points.
Evgeni Malkin is in a similar spot. Pagnotta reported that the 40-year-old also wants to stay, even though his own contract is nearing its end.
“Pittsburgh made it known a few weeks ago that they’re open for business; Sidney Crosby isn’t going anywhere, unless he wants to, which would be one hell of a 180; [Evgeni Malkin] doesn’t wanna go anywhere either.”
For now, Montreal can keep watching. Until Crosby decides he wants something different, the biggest rumor around the Penguins isn’t going anywhere.
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