Could Sidney Crosby join the Maple Leafs and pull off a Steven Stamkos?

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River Hawk
August 13, 2024 (9:06)

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Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have made the big change to their captaincy with Auston Matthews, they could swing even bigger and grab Sidney Crosby from free agency next year if he's available.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been a contender for the Stanley Cup, but have only made one appearance beyond the first round once in the last eight years.

However, after a series of discussions following their 2024 playoffs elimination by the Boston Bruins, the team has finally adjusted to their Core 4 by stripping John Tavres of his captaincy in favor of Auston Matthews.

However, the team can go even further next year by signing on a longtime captain of another team. Sidney Crosby has spent 19 years with the Pittsburgh Penguins and after his second decade in the NHL ends, he will finally hit free agency.

Sidney Crosby has been on the hook for 12 years, getting $8.7 million in salary each year. With many expecting he is looking to try his hand at another Cup, he may look to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have shown they are willing to change the heart of the team this summer. The team could open up their cap space simply by letting Mitch Marner go in free agency.

Sidney Crosby would likely only sign a three-to-four-year deal, and for less than Mitch Marner's current cap hit at almost $11 million. Even at 37 years old, Sidney Crosby has two consecutive 90-point seasons, and will certainly aim for a third in the upcoming season.

Toronto and Mitch Marner have both already made it known they hope for an extension but provided how big his price would be, they may have no option but to let him sign elsewhere in free agency. Whether or not Sidney Crosby will leave the Pittsburgh Penguins the same year, we will have to wait and see.

Source: Eyes on Isles
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