Penguins will find themselves in tough spot if Sidney Crosby desires a trade

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby and his agent did not rule out a potential trade when questioned about the interest of the Montreal Canadiens in an interview with The Athletic recently.

Crosby, 38, reiterated his desire to remain in Pittsburgh, but the rumors placing him in Montreal continue to grow, and the recent words of his representative, Pat Brisson, only increased the speculation.

"I mean, I’m answering something that…let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?", said Brisson.

If Crosby opts for a move to the Canadiens, the Penguins would find themselves with their hands tied regarding negotiations.

As ESPN explains, the veteran forward has a no-movement clause in his contract with Pittsburgh, which gives him a certain level of control over his future, as the Penguins cannot trade him without his consent.

Most likely, due to his veteran status and standing within the organization, the Pens would be open to the idea of letting him go if he requests a trade. But with Crosby under contract through the 2026-27 season, they could also decide not to trade him.

If Crosby chooses Montreal as his next destination, his current team is obligated to negotiate only with them. This will prevent a bidding war for Crosby's services, and will leave only the team chosen by the player as a real option for his future. As a result, the Penguins will be handcuffed in negotiations and will struggle to maximize the return for the franchise icon.

The Canadiens have already made it clear that they do not plan to part with their best prospects in a potential exchange, so the team's possible offer would mainly include draft picks or developmental prospects.

If Crosby ultimately decides he wants to finish his career elsewhere, the Penguins will find themselves in a tough spot.