The hockey world is buzzing with speculation as whispers of a potential Sidney Crosby trade grow louder, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have suddenly emerged as an unexpected contender in the conversation.

With the Penguins legend’s future in Pittsburgh no longer guaranteed, fans and insiders alike are captivated by the possibility of seeing one of the game’s greatest players don the blue and white.

As the Leafs continue to reshape their roster and chase the elusive Stanley Cup, the idea of Crosby joining forces with Auston Matthews and company has ignited wild excitement and heated debate across the NHL landscape.

While the odds may seem long, the connections between the Leafs and Penguins front offices, along with Toronto’s deep pool of promising prospects, have only fueled the rumors further. As the new season approaches, all eyes are on what could become the most sensational move in recent hockey history.

Sidney Crosby is a viable trade option for the Maple Leafs

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Penguins star Sidney Crosby is reportedly likely to be moved, and the Maple Leafs could be a dark horse to acquire him as Kyle Dubas may covet one major trade chip in Toronto.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving continues to hunt for a top-six forward to round out a revamped forward group that includes the acquisitions of Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli and Nicolas Roy and the departure of Mitch Marner.

A tough task, many expect the Leafs to enter the season without a legitimate top-six addition, and although a winger would be preferred, adding another center would let the Leafs shift John Tavares to the wing and fill that void.

Despite reports that Penguins captain Sidney Crosby wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Nick Kypreos noted on ‘The Real Kyper and Bourne’ in early July, that there is an increased chance the 37-year-old gets dealt.

Why the Maple Leafs Could Be Dark Horse Front-Runners for Sidney Crosby

Although there are those that believe Crosby would prefer to play for the Montreal Canadiens or Colorado Avalanche if he was to be traded, the Maple Leafs may quietly be a threat to land the three-time Stanley Cup Champion.

Why, you ask? The numerous connections between the Leafs and Penguins beginning with Kyle Dubas and Wes Clark. Top Leafs prospects Ben Danford and Easton Cowan were both Wes Clark draft picks and the Penguins may covet both players.

The cost to acquire Crosby would obviously be high, likely including Danford and Cowan, as well as an additional first-round pick and possibly more. For the Leafs, though, there is no bigger “all-in move” than a deal for Sidney Crosby.

At this point, Leafs Nation doesn’t care about a few years down the road, especially if it means acquiring Crosby and giving the Leafs their best shot at winning a Stanley Cup in the Auston Matthews era.

It’s a pipe-dream at the moment, but as Friedman and Kypreos mentioned in discussion, if the Penguins struggle and Crosby wants to win, there’s a good chance he is moved, and the Leafs do technically have the pieces to land the first-ballot Hall-of-Famer should he become available.