The Pittsburgh Penguins last made the playoffs in 2022, and their performance has been pretty forgettable since then. The Penguins have Sidney Crosby, who is more than just a hockey player: the 38-year-old has developed into a cultural icon who has led the franchise to three successful Stanley Cup conquests.
However, that was years ago. Trade rumors are inevitable when a team underperforms consistently — even Crosby is cognizant of that fact. Notwithstanding his unwavering loyalty to Pittsburgh, the Penguins’ icon could be traded. If he does get traded, one Canadian team could be one of the ideal destinations for the icon.
Why are the Montreal Canadiens the Best Option for Sidney Crosby?
The Montreal Canadiens are rebuilding with good results. The team made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2021 and finished as the second Wild Card team with 91 points.
The “Habs” would drastically improve their odds of winning a Stanley Cup by bringing in a three-time champion like Crosby. The 38-year-old too, has reportedly been open to the prospect of moving to Montreal.
Reporter Arpon Basu has previously stated that the Canadiens have the best set of resources to make a trade like that happen. Montreal GM Kent Hughes is in a position to give Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas what he wants: promising young players and draft picks. Crosby, in his capacity, will be able to address a roster deficiency in the Habs.
“All summer, the Canadiens have heard about how they lack a No. 2 center, about how it is not only the biggest hole in their lineup this season but potentially in their entire rebuild. Crosby would be the ultimate prize here.”
How realistic is a Sidney Crosby trade for each NHL team? https://t.co/9E8Fhw6Aha
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) September 20, 2025
Further, Basu believes that Crosby could enable the Habs’ rebuild in a major way.
“The Canadiens have reached a point in their rebuild where they almost have too many prospects and not enough potential spots in their lineup in the coming years. That pipeline would provide a major boost for the Penguins’ rebuild if Crosby were to ever ask out, and the ascending nature of the Canadiens could satisfy Crosby’s desire to win.”
Although Crosby is 38, he is still one of the top five centers in the NHL, and a three-time champion. He is also a Canadian icon and was a Habs fan growing up. His experience and leadership can drastically improve the Montreal outfit’s Stanley Cup contentions.
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“It would also be a fairy tale ending to his career to lead his boyhood team to a Stanley Cup. It just fits in so many ways,” wrote Basu.
Crosby’s current contract with the Penguins has an average annual value of $8.7 million: an unbelievable bargain for a player like him. Although it is bound to be difficult for Pittsburgh fans to witness Crosby donning a Habs jersey, the team remains the most likely destination for the captain if a trade surrounding him ever materializes.
