Brad Marchand’s Role in Sidney Crosby’s Potential Montreal Move
It’s safe to say that Brad Marchand is not winning any popularity contests among Montreal Canadiens fans. The longtime pest and former captain of the rival Boston Bruins has built a notorious reputation on the ice, accumulating 48 points—17 goals and 31 assists—in 58 career games against the Canadiens. Additionally, his 81 penalty minutes against Montreal are the most he has registered against any team. Given this history, the idea of Canadiens supporters ever embracing the player known as “Rat” seems almost laughable. However, in light of the recent speculation surrounding Sidney Crosby’s future, Marchand’s presence could play an unexpected role in shaping that narrative.
Crosby’s Pipe Dream
In a recent column, Luke Fox of Sportsnet posed a thought-provoking question: could Crosby’s close friendship with Marchand influence his thoughts on joining the Canadiens? Fox speculated whether witnessing Marchand celebrate a Stanley Cup victory in colors other than black and gold might have nudged Crosby to entertain the notion of playing for Montreal. This idea, while far-fetched to some, reflects a shifting sentiment as Crosby’s illustrious career enters its 21st season.
Crosby, who has amassed 1,687 points in 1,352 games, has spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Penguins since being selected first overall in the 2005 draft. Despite his unwavering loyalty, the Penguins’ struggles in recent seasons have fueled chatter about his potential departure. The franchise has missed the playoffs for the last three years, with their last series win occurring in 2018. This drought has led to rampant speculation about Crosby possibly finishing his Hall of Fame career with the team he rooted for as a child in Nova Scotia.
A Reality Check
This week, speculation intensified with a feature in The Athletic by Pierre LeBrun, which examined the Canadiens fans’ dreams regarding Crosby. During the discussion, Crosby acknowledged the passionate fan base in Montreal while reflecting on his time in Pittsburgh and recognizing the difficulties of recent seasons. However, it was Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, who added fuel to the fire. He drew parallels between Crosby and NFL legend Tom Brady, who famously concluded his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a storied tenure with the New England Patriots, suggesting that Crosby moving to another team is “always a possibility.”
“It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs,” Brisson stated. “It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is going to do. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year, in my opinion.”
Montreal’s Attractive Offer
From a practical standpoint, the Canadiens emerge as a compelling destination for Crosby. Not only is it a personal fit, but Montreal boasts a wealth of prospects that the Penguins could find enticing in any potential trade. In a recent episode of “The Wrap Around” podcast, hockey analysts Michael Augello and Jake Tye concurred that if Crosby were to be traded, Montreal would likely be the destination.
“If he’s going to go anywhere, I could see it definitely being Montreal,” Tye remarked, underscoring the growing sentiment that the Canadiens could be more than just a distant fantasy for Crosby.
As the offseason progresses and discussions heat up, the dynamic between Marchand, Crosby, and the Canadiens could become a pivotal storyline in the NHL landscape. Whether this leads to a monumental shift in Crosby’s career remains to be seen, but the whispers of possibility are growing louder.
