The NHL regular season is on the horizon, and there is a big topic that needs to be discussed – the possibility of Sidney Crosby being traded at the trade deadline. It may seem absurd to even consider trading a player of Crosby’s caliber, especially given what he has done for the Pittsburgh Penguins over nearly two decades. Despite the emergence of Connor McDavid as the new face of the league, Crosby still shines bright with his unique blend of skill and hockey IQ as he embarks on his 20th season.
While the chances of Crosby being traded are low, there are some factors to consider. Crosby, who is the heart and soul of the Penguins and heading into the final year of his contract, could sign an extension before the season starts. If Pittsburgh remains competitive, the idea of trading their best player seems unlikely.
However, there is a case to be made for a Crosby trade. The Athletic’s Josh Yohe presented arguments against a potential trade, but these viewpoints can be flipped to make a trade beneficial for both Crosby and the Penguins. If the Penguins struggle early in the season, Crosby’s loyalty to the franchise could lead to a trade that brings back significant returns, ultimately helping the team rebuild quicker.
While Crosby may not be driven by chasing another Stanley Cup at this point in his career, the idea of playing meaningless games in March and April could sway his decision. If winning another championship in Pittsburgh is his ultimate goal, then a trade could be seen as a selfless act in pursuit of that objective.
Some may argue that Pittsburgh is not in salary cap trouble, so there is no financial incentive to trade Crosby. However, having cap space available could actually make a trade more enticing for the Penguins, as they can retain some of Crosby’s salary to sweeten the deal for potential trade partners.
Of course, the success of a potential trade hinges on finding the right partners willing to take on Crosby’s contract. Looking at teams with cap space and a need for a top-tier center, there are several potential landing spots for Crosby.
When examining each team’s center depth and evaluating how Crosby could fit into their lineup, it becomes clear that there are options out there for a potential trade. The idea of Crosby in a different jersey may seem far-fetched, but in the fast-paced world of the NHL, anything can happen.
As the season draws near, keep an eye on the Crosby trade rumors – they may just become a reality before the trade deadline. The hockey world is in for a wild ride as the drama unfolds.
