Sidney Crosby is suddenly back in Montreal's orbit, and Martin St-Louis would gain an instant top-six weapon if the Canadiens ever went this far.
A concrete trade price is now circulating, and it's the kind of package that forces Montreal to think hard about how quickly it wants to accelerate.
Sid Seixeiro has floated a massive Canadiens offer for Crosby: Michael Hage and Montreal's 2027 first-round pick going to Pittsburgh.
That's not a depth prospect and a disposable draft asset. Hage is one of Montreal's most important young centres, while a first-rounder carries major value for a club still protecting its long-term window.
The urgency comes from Crosby's situation in Pittsburgh. His representatives and the Penguins had yet to begin formal talks on his next contract, with discussions expected before the end of the summer.
-
Crosby has repeatedly been linked emotionally to finishing his career with the Penguins. But until his future is locked down, every day without an extension keeps the door open to bigger questions.
Montreal would have to sacrifice real future value to acquire Crosby
Seixeiro's proposed price makes one thing clear: Montreal wouldn't be entering this conversation with spare parts. Getting Crosby would mean surrendering an asset the organization has spent years developing.
Hage returning to Michigan for another season only increases the intrigue. Montreal can remain patient with him, but Crosby would represent the opposite approach - pushing the timeline forward immediately.
And Crosby can still produce. He recorded 74 points in 68 games last season, production that would change the complexion of Montreal's top six from the first puck drop.
For Kent Hughes, that creates the uncomfortable part of the equation. The Canadiens have spent years accumulating young talent and draft capital. Crosby would require spending from that reserve instead of adding to it.
Montreal already has established young pieces around Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson. Adding Crosby would send a loud message that the Canadiens believe the next stage has arrived.
The price is what turns this from fantasy into a serious debate. Hage plus a 2027 first-round pick is enough future value to make Montreal hesitate, even for Sidney Crosby.
Nothing says a deal is close. But a recognizable price is now attached to the biggest name Montreal could possibly chase, and that makes the conversation much harder to dismiss.
Would you trade Michael Hage and a 2027 first-round pick for Sidney Crosby?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
First look at the Edmonton Oilers' new jerseys and heads are turned
