For the past few years, the hockey world has been buzzing with speculation about whether Sidney Crosby might seek a trade from Pittsburgh in pursuit of another Stanley Cup. The Penguins appeared to be entering a rebuild, and many wondered if Crosby would look to join a contender.
The Montreal Canadiens were frequently mentioned in these rumors, given their youthful roster and Crosby’s childhood connection to the team. The chatter intensified this summer after Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the third straight season. But with the Penguins now sitting comfortably in second place in the Metropolitan Division at the Olympic break, the question arises: is there still a chance for Crosby to head to Montreal?
According to TSN insider Chris Johnston, those hopes are currently off the table. Johnston noted that any dreams of Crosby hitting the trade market have faded with Pittsburgh's playoff positioning.
Crosby, at 38, continues to prove he's among the elite, tallying 59 points with 27 goals and 32 assists in 56 games this season. He’s also been a standout for Team Canada at the Olympics. Crosby is in the first year of a two-year, $17.4 million extension he signed to remain in Pittsburgh before the 2024 season.
His performance has been pivotal in the Penguins' resurgence, and with the team likely in playoff contention by the trade deadline, the chances of Crosby leaving seem slim.
Could this conversation resurface in the 2026-27 season if the Penguins falter? It's possible.
However, Crosby and his long-time teammate Evgeni Malkin have expressed a strong desire to finish their careers in Pittsburgh. As they continue to deliver top-tier performances, it seems likely that GM Kyle Dubas will do everything possible to keep the duo together in the Steel City.