Sidney Crosby Trade to Canadiens Not Impossible, Claims Elliotte Friedman

Friedman made it clear that Crosby is in full control of the situation, mostly because he has a full no-move clause in his contract and also because, as long as he doesn't ask for a trade, the Penguins won't entertain the idea of moving him.

The 38-year-old has spent his entire career with Pittsburgh, winning three Stanley Cups and cementing his place as one of the game’s greatest. But with the Penguins missing the playoffs for three consecutive years and given Crosby’s desire to win another championship, question marks will keep floating above the Penguins' legend and his final years in the NHL.

Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, recently stated he wants to see his client lift the Stanley Cup one more time.

“Well, (the speculation) is a reality,” Brisson said. “First of all, he’s been so consistent for 20 years. He had another great year last season. He just keeps going. We want Sidney to hopefully be in the playoffs every year. We want him to hopefully win another Cup or two.

“So each year the team that he’s playing for fails to make the playoffs, it creates a lot of speculation.”

Montreal, with cap flexibility and an emerging core led by Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky and rookie Ivan Demidov, has the assets to make a deal if the door ever opens.

Crosby's childhood ties to Quebec and his stature as a Canadian icon also add weight to the scenario, making it a perfect marriage — if it ever happens.