Over the past few days, the best NHL players were in town for the 4 Nations Showdown. They all had the chance to play in one of the best hockey cities.

I am one of those who believe that hosting this competition in Montreal is good news for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Most of the players are discovering a new side of the Canadiens’ facilities, as both the Bell Centre and the CN Complex are being used by the four teams in the tournament.

Additionally, the possibility of crossing paths with Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, or even Geoff Molson, in the Canadiens’ facilities is quite high.

It’s a great opportunity for them to make a strong first impression while being cautious about tampering.

Sidney Crosby could fall in love with Montreal

Another person who thinks like me is former NHL player Derick Brassard. He did not hesitate to say on BPM Sports that this competition is the perfect opportunity for the host team to recruit players.

He even believes it could convince Sidney Crosby to play for the Canadiens before the end of his career.

“Sometimes, that’s how you recruit players. With this tournament, Crosby gets to visit the facilities and experience the atmosphere in Montreal. He grew up as a Canadiens fan, so why not!”

– Derick Brassard on Crosby’s future

Brassard is not speaking in vain here.

He was Crosby’s teammate for two seasons and must know very well how number 87 feels about Montreal.

Let’s also remember that Crosby had only good things to say about the host city after the game.

“I grew up as a Canadiens fan. Receiving this kind of ovation here is really special, and it’s something I will never forget.”

Sidney Crosby

Another person who knows number 87 well is Georges Laraque.

He made very encouraging remarks last December, suggesting that the possibility of seeing Crosby end up in Montreal was not so far-fetched.

The former enforcer doubled down this week on BPM Sports, repeating almost the same thing.

You can listen to his recent comments at around the 34-minute-45-second mark in this link.

What would Sidney Crosby cost Kent Hughes?

It’s great to welcome number 87 to town, but since his contract doesn’t expire until July 2027, a trade would be required to acquire him. But what kind of trade could lead Kyle Dubas to shake Kent Hughes’ hand?

In recent days, Martin Lemay proposed a trade he would make “tomorrow morning” for the Penguins’ captain. Here it is:

“If I were the Canadiens, I would call [Kyle] Dubas and tell him two first-round picks and Cole Caufield (for Sidney Crosby).”

– Martin Lemay

Lemay doesn’t even think that would be enough to convince Dubas!!!

He even mentions that people are overlooking all the potential benefits such an acquisition could bring to the Montreal Canadiens.