The hockey world is no stranger to blockbuster rumors and bold predictions, but every so often, a story comes along that truly captures the imagination of fans and analysts alike. Over the past few weeks, one name has dominated conversations in Montreal and across Quebec: Sidney Crosby. With speculation swirling about the possibility of the legendary forward donning a Canadiens jersey, excitement and skepticism have reached a fever pitch in the city.

While some dismiss the idea as pure fantasy, others can’t help but wonder what it would take to pull off such a monumental trade. The debate has spilled over into social media, talk shows, and even locker rooms, with everyone weighing in on whether Montreal should go all-in for a chance to land one of the greatest players of his generation.

As respected journalists and insiders begin to offer their own takes on the scenario, the conversation is evolving from wishful thinking to serious analysis. What would the Canadiens have to give up? Is it worth the risk? And could such a move reshape the future of hockey in Montreal? The answers may surprise you—and they’re fueling one of the most electrifying off-season discussions in recent memory.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Sidney Crosby’s name is generating a lot of buzz around the Montreal Canadiens and in the Quebec media.

To be honest with you, I don’t really believe this option is very realistic, but since it’s being talked about so much everywhere, I have no choice but to mention it from time to time.

It could possibly become an option, but let’s wait and see.

In his latest article, the excellent Sportsnet journalist Eric Engels weighed in regarding Sidney Crosby and the Montreal Canadiens.

A Trade Proposal Between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins Involving Sidney Crosby

It’s still pretty interesting, I have to admit.

In his article, he is asked about Crosby and the Montreal Canadiens, and he comments on the possible price to pay in such a trade.

“They have the 16th and 17th picks in this year’s draft and could part with one or both as part of a deal to acquire Crosby.

They could also combine one with a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick and even dip into one of their second-round picks, they have two in each of the next two drafts, to add a sweetener.

They could also add any combination of two prospects, other than Demidov, Reinbacher, Fowler, or Hage, to complete the trade while absorbing Crosby’s full cap hit.”

– Eric Engels

He is among those who believe that the price to acquire Crosby via trade would be absolutely massive.

The good news with this theory is that it would eliminate teams like the Colorado Avalanche or the Los Angeles Kings from the race, since they likely couldn’t offer as much.

Engels thus seems to suggest a trade looking like this:

“16th overall pick in 2025 + A 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected) + A second-round pick + Logan Mailloux + Oliver Kapanen”

All of that, in exchange for Sidney Crosby (he mentions Mailloux and Kapanen a bit later in his article)!

Would you do it?

Would you trade the 16th overall pick in 2025, a 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected), a second-round pick, Logan Mailloux, and Oliver Kapanen, in exchange for Sidney Crosby?