One of the big rumours entering the season was whether or not Sidney Crosby would remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins or request a trade. If he did request a trade, the Montreal Canadiens were a popular destination, as that was his favorite team growing up, and his father was drafted by Montreal back in 1984.
On the surface, Sidney Crosby requesting a trade made sense, as he is getting towards the end of his career and probably would like to add one more Stanley Cup before he calls it a career. Entering this season, the Penguins were viewed as a rebuilding franchise and a team not in a position to compete this season.
Even with those circumstances, it always felt like a long shot that Crosby would request a trade away from the only franchise he has ever played for. However, any slim chance of a trade seemingly diminished almost every day as the Penguins have exceeded preseason expectations and continue to remain among the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
NHL insider believes the Montreal Canadiens can stop holding out hope for Sidney Crosby
Recently, Chris Johnston and James Mirtle published on The Athletic an NHL trade matchmaking article by making their picks for some of the more popular players heading into the trade deadline. Johnston selected the Canadiens as the best fit for Calgary Flames' center Nazem Kadri, but in his write-up mentioned Crosby: "There was a time when Montreal might have held out hope Sidney Crosby would become available on the trade market, but that ship has now sailed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in a playoff spot."
There is no question that Crosby would have been a great fit for this team and even at this point in his career, would be a difference maker. However, as Johnston notes, the Penguins are very much alive in the playoff race, and there is no chance they would move Crosby.
The Canadiens have probably already pivoted, and once the roster freeze is lifted, they will need to get to work with the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6th. The first thing they will need to do is move Patrik Laine to create some extra cap space to give them the opportunity to trade for a Kadri, if that is the player they target.
There is always next year to revisit the idea of Crosby joining the Montreal Canadiens, for at least one season of his career, but the focus will now be on players who are more realistic.