NHL analyst John Buccigross has voiced his desire to see the Montreal Canadiens acquire Sidney Crosby, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in hockey history.
Crosby has spent his entire NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but as the team appears to be heading into a rebuilding phase, speculation about a potential trade has grown. Although Crosby holds a full no-trade clause in his contract, Buccigross remains optimistic that he might waive it for a chance to play in Montreal.
“I hope one day Sid wakes up and says, ‘I want to play for the Canadiens.’ That was his childhood team, and they’re trending upward. If Crosby were to leave Pittsburgh, Montreal feels like the most fitting destination,” Buccigross commented during a Spittin’ Chiclets livestream. He acknowledged that some have floated Colorado as a possible destination, but he sees Montreal as the only logical choice.
Crosby just concluded a 12-year, $104.4 million contract and will start a new two-year, $17.4 million deal next season, which includes a no-movement clause—making any trade dependent on his approval.
Despite this, Buccigross points to Crosby’s childhood connection to the Canadiens and Montreal’s upward momentum as compelling reasons for a potential move. The Penguins, meanwhile, seem more likely to begin a rebuild than chase another championship.
Crosby had a strong season with 33 goals and 58 assists, totaling 91 points in 80 games.
Crosby Dismisses Trade Talk
As the Penguins missed the playoffs once again, trade speculation around Crosby intensified. Now in the later stages of his career, some believe he might want one more shot at a championship. However, Crosby has been quick to dismiss the trade rumors.
Speaking with Taylor Haase of DK Pittsburgh Sports, Crosby said, “I understand how speculation works, but I can’t control that and won’t comment every time it happens. My full focus is on helping our team.”
Drafted first overall in 2005, Crosby has led the Penguins to three Stanley Cups—in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
Canadiens Coach Confident in Youthful Roster
Montreal managed to secure a playoff spot but was eliminated in five games by the Washington Capitals. Still, head coach Martin St. Louis is proud of the team’s progress, especially considering they were the youngest squad in the postseason.
“I’m proud of what this group has done. It’s a privilege to coach the Canadiens and see these young players grow,” St. Louis said. “We were the youngest playoff team since the ’70s. That speaks volumes about their development.”
Montreal ended the season with a 40-31-11 record.
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