The Price of a Legend: Would the Canadiens Pay a King’s Ransom for Sidney Crosby?

0 Sara Smith September 20, 2025

The idea of Sidney Crosby in a Montreal Canadiens uniform is the kind of stuff that hockey fans dream about. It’s a move that would not only sell an incredible number of jerseys but would also instantly make the Canadiens a legitimate contender. But let’s be clear: acquiring a player of Crosby’s stature, even at this stage of his career, would come at a monumental cost. The question isn’t just if the Canadiens would want him, but what they would be willing to give up to get him.

A King’s Ransom for a Hockey King

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is no fool. He knows that trading a player like Sidney Crosby is a move that could define his career. While Crosby’s no-movement clause gives him the ultimate say in any potential trade, you can bet that Dubas would demand a “king’s ransom” for his captain.

We’re talking about a package that would likely start with a first-round draft pick and a top-tier prospect. Penguins reporter Mark Madden of Trib Live has even suggested that the Canadiens would have to include a player like Ivan Demidov, a prospect with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone himself.

Is Crosby Worth the Price for the Canadiens?

This is where the debate really heats up. At 38, Crosby is no longer in his prime, but he’s still a point-per-game player and a proven winner. His leadership and experience would be invaluable to a young Canadiens team on the rise. However, giving up a player like Demidov, who could be a key part of the Canadiens’ future for the next decade, for two years of an aging superstar is a massive gamble. It’s a classic “win now” move that could either lead to a Stanley Cup or set the franchise back for years to come.

For the Penguins, a trade like this would be a clear signal of a full rebuild. Getting a top prospect like Demidov, along with other assets, would be a huge step in that direction. But for the Canadiens, it’s a much more complicated decision. Do they go all-in for a chance at a championship with a living legend, or do they stay the course and build for the long term? It’s a question that will have the hockey world buzzing for a long time to come.