The name Sidney Crosby returns to transaction rumors for two years. The dismissal of the Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has revived the rumor machine, and everyone in Montreal began to dream. But, is it really possible to see Crosby in the CH uniform one day? Let’s look at the situation objectively.
Crosby’s agent Pat Brisson preferred not to offer comments when The newspaper Contacted it in order to take stock of the situation of its client which, it must be remembered, has signed a two -season contract extension with the Penguins, which will come into force next season.
We have still been able to obtain certain information from people close to the Crosby clan, in order to understand what is happening, currently, in the head of 87.
Here’s what we know.
Another chance in the Penguins
We will not learn anything to anyone, Sidney Crosby is an extremely loyal man, and all those who have known him can say. Its two -season contract extension is a perfect example.
Right now, Sidney Crosby’s desire is not to leave Pittsburgh. In an ideal world, he would like to end his career there and, thereafter, hold a position in the organization, we are told.
It had also been rather clear on this subject, in January, in an interview with The Athletic.
“I have already said that I would always be here. I just signed a new contract here. I have always been transparent on this: I am a Penguin of Pittsburgh. ”
Moreover, the contract he signed, to an annual average of $ 8.7M, was a way of saying to the organization of the Penguins which he accepted less money than he could have obtained on the market, in order to allow them to make acquisitions and help the team to make the series.
This is where it will be played, according to a person near the situation. Crosby wants to win again and the Penguins will have to demonstrate that they make the necessary efforts to help him lift another cup before the end of his career.
Will Mike Sullivan’s dismissal change anything? It is still too early to speculate and you will have to wait until you know the identity of the next team coach.
The avalanche A logical option, to calm Mackinnon?
If Crosby decides to leave Pittsburgh, he will do so on his own conditions. He has a complete non-movement clause on his contract and he alone can decide to raise it or not. Depending on what we are told, if he leaves Pittsburgh, it will be in order to join a maturity team whose opportunity window is well open, or even almost closing.
The Montreal Canadian is not part of this category, again.
Still according to a well -trendy person, rumors wanting the avalanche du Colorado to be the destination of choice to welcome Crosby, in the improbable possibility where he would decide to leave Pittsburgh, are very logical.
And not just because Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon are friends.
Yes, there are a lot of that, but it goes beyond chemistry on the ice.
“Mackinnon is an outstanding competitor, but it takes someone to manage his emotions. When he comes out of him, there is nothing to do. ”
-We have seen a proof of this recently during match number 5 of the series between the avalanche and the stars of Dallas, when Mackinnon entered Charlie Coyle by returning to the bench after a failed presence in digital advantage.
“Sidney did it with Brad Marchand. The latter began to change his attitude when he started training with Sidney during the summer.
“I don’t think it’s not going to work at Pittsburgh but, if it was, I really think that the avalanche is a plausible scenario.”
Four other logical destinations for Sidney Crosby
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Besides the Colorado avalanche, here are four other destinations that fit well in the definition of “team whose opportunity window is open” that Sidney Crosby will look for, and it is said if, he decided to leave Pittsburgh.
Golden Knights de Vegas
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It’s simple, every time a star player is made available, Vegas is in the spot. In seven years of existence, they have already acquired several big names, including Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl, in addition to convincing several free players including Alex Pietrangelo.
The Golden Knights, however, exchanged many young players to make these acquisitions. Their best hope is the American striker Trevor Connelly, a first round choice last year, and no doubt that he would be part of the Penguins’ requests.
Florida panthers
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The Panthers window is wide open! They reached the final two years ago, won last year and are among the favorites this year. As long as they will count on Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov and that they will be able to keep the services of several complementary players, they will be an attractive destination for anyone who wishes to lift the big trophy.
That said, the Panthers have one of the worst subsidiaries in the NHL. They have very few quality hopes and should probably stop active players if they wanted to be in the blow for Crosby.
Oilers d’Edmonton
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It’s okay, anyway. Connor McDavid has been trying for several years to add to his legend by managing to win the Stanley Cup.
Whether he does it or not by the time Sidney Crosby will make his decision, it doesn’t matter. As long as McDavid and Draisaitl are there, the window of the Oilers is open. And admit that to see these two super stars with Crosby, on the digital advantage, would be a breathtaking spectacle.
Here too, the next generation is thin, however. Matthew Savoie, Sam O’Reilly and Beau Akey seem the best hopes of the organization.
Capitals de Washington
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We tell you here, it is first and foremost a fantasy! Imagine, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin share the same trio to conclude their career. Capitals have succeeded what the Penguins have still not been able to do: quickly rebuilding around their concession player.
Well, the caps have Pierre-Luc Dubois and Dylan Strome in the center, but whatever, just to imagine Crosby and Ovechkin to lift the Cup together would have no price.
Speaking of prices, the capitals have a beautiful hope bank. It would be surprising if the young Ryan Leonard was available but Washington also relies on the brother of Lane Hutson, Cole, and on the attackers Terik Parascak, Andrew Cristall and Ivan Miroshnichenko, in particular.
