Montreal Canadiens fans are letting their imaginations run wild, and this time, the dream is centered on Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain, entering the first year of a two-year, $17.4 million deal, has found himself at the heart of online chatter linking him to a blockbuster trade to Montreal.
Although no official talks have occurred, Canadiens supporters are connecting the dots between clues and salary cap projections that, in their eyes, point to a massive opportunity.
Could the Canadiens Realistically Land Sidney Crosby?
The speculation ignited when fans noticed Montreal’s projected playoff cap space, roughly $8.7 million, perfectly matches Crosby’s annual cap hit.
One post that gained significant traction asked, “No one is talking about the fact that the Canadiens’ projected playoff cap space + Kapanen to Laval = $8,780,000. Who exactly happens to make $8.7M?”
This line of thinking quickly spread. Another fan jokingly wrote, “Interesting that we’re getting Crosby without giving up a roster player,” while others argued that Pittsburgh’s focus on acquiring assets and prospects makes Montreal a natural trade partner. Some even claimed they could “see it happening,” despite the absence of credible reports from insiders.
While these theories are playful, they are rooted in actual numbers. According to PuckPedia, Montreal currently has about $5.5 million in cap space with 22 players on its active roster. The team has maintained flexibility heading into the season by waiving depth forwards like Samuel Blais and Kaapo Kahkonen. The Canadiens also possess a healthy number of draft picks and young assets, which fans believe could form the foundation of a potential blockbuster deal.
Why Are Crosby Trade Rumors Gaining Momentum?
The idea of Sidney Crosby leaving Pittsburgh isn’t entirely new. With his longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin reportedly open to exploring other options, including a possible move to the Florida Panthers, some believe the Penguins’ core could finally be ready to break apart.
If Malkin were to depart, it could allegedly give Crosby a reason to reconsider finishing his career elsewhere. NHL insider Greg Wyshynski mentioned on the Halford and Brough show that the Penguins are “fully considering” major changes if their season begins to stall. He also noted that many people around Crosby might want him to move on, though Crosby has not indicated a wish to leave.
For his part, Crosby has publicly maintained his commitment to the Penguins, even as they enter a new rebuilding phase. “You take so much pride in being part of the team and the organization. The people there have been so great to me… that’s difficult to just walk away from,” he said earlier this month, dismissing any suggestion of discontent.
Ultimately, the rumors remain fan-driven and are more hopeful than factual. However, the logic behind the speculation isn’t entirely far-fetched. The Canadiens are well-positioned financially, have a deep prospect pool, and are searching for the kind of elite veteran presence Crosby could provide.
Even if a deal never materializes, the buzz around his name has given Habs fans something exciting to dream about. In a hockey city like Montreal, that energy alone can keep the excitement alive deep into the season.