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Crosby in Montreal: 'yes, if we don’t touch Demidov, Hage and Reinbacher'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 10:09 PM ET

The more the days go by, the slimmer the chances that Sidney Crosby will stay in Pittsburgh.

After all, he doesn’t have many seasons of good hockey left, and his team isn’t going anywhere. Just today, we learned that Evgeni Malkin’s contract would not be renewed. So, how long will 87 be a member of the Penguins?

If he’s traded, we need to talk about Montreal. His childhood club was the Canadiens, his father was drafted by the team and he’s never hidden his love for the city. Not many people would say no to seeing him in the metropolis. Mathias Brunet would say no if Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher and/or Michael Hage were involved in the transaction.

Would you accept this trade if you were the GM? #hockey #mtl #canadiens #nhl #crosby pic.twitter.com/Aa4kbPVUAS

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) June 16, 2025

I agree with Mathias. The problem: Pittsburgh is probably going to ask for one of these prospects and a first-round pick or two.

Crosby isn’t going to cost anything, because “he wants out of Pittsburgh…”

The Penguins will soon begin a pivotal period in their rebuilding. They won’t want prospects too old or picks too far away. They’ll be asking for the CH’s first two picks in 2025 and two prospects. Would Logan Mailloux and Joshua Roy be enough? Probably not.

But if Kyle Dubas realizes he can’t trade him for the price he wants, maybe he’ll take the trade in the end. We’ve seen worse.

If I were Kent Hughes – and I agree with the LaPresse journalist – I wouldn’t touch Demidov or Reinbacher at all. As for Hage, who received a nice tribute earlier today, I’d think twice…

Overtime

– The penultimate episode before the draft.

Episode 39 recording complete! Is the Canadiens too small to emulate the Florida Panthers? Available at dawn tomorrow, Tuesday! pic.twitter.com/E34wbPX5GM

– Mathias Brunet (@mathiasbrunet) June 16, 2025

– Ah well.

Frank Seravalli: The Blackhawks’ 3rd overall pick is in play; looking to trade for a difference-maker – DFO Rundown

– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 16, 2025

-Too bad.

“We decide: “We don’t give a damn about your father! “” https://t.co/cSftQAc90l

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 16, 2025

– I can imagine.

Chris Kreider’s agent Matt Keator talks about his client getting traded to the Anaheim #Ducks

“Change can be refreshing for a player, and I think in Chris’ case, it’s going to be very refreshing “#FlyTogether #thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/X25t6plPVY

– The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) June 16, 2025

– That’s right.