Crosby has given a shortlist of three teams he'd be open to considering if they came knocking about a trade, either now or in the offseason, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche reportedly on the list.
Ever since he inked that $8.7 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 2013, Sid the Kid has been an absolute steal. His legendary acts, including two more Stanley Cups, have been worth way more than that price tag, making him one of the best bargains in the entire league.
Even though he's nearing 37, Crosby could easily command a salary north of $10 million annually if he hit the open market. Yet the Penguins have been lucky to have him locked in at a lower rate. Over the years, that $8.7 million has become an even better deal as the salary cap has risen by 14%.
It's unlikely he will be demanding top dollar this Summer. At his age, not many players can command a hefty paycheck. While it's unclear what his next deal will look like, it's safe to assume it'll be in the ballpark of his current $8.7 million, if not lower. That said, Crosby wants to win, and right now, the situation in Pittsburgh isn't exactly screaming "Cup Contender." The Penguins are poised to miss the playoffs for the second straight season despite Crosby still playing at the top of his game.
So It makes sense why No. 87 would want out of Toronto makes sense. He would play in his hometown of Canada, not to mention with Auston Mathews. As for Colorado, Crosby would play alongside his fellow Nova Scotia native Nathan McKinnon.
However, none of this means Crosby's packing his bags for Toronto or Colorado. It's more of a sign that these teams are on his radar if a tempting offer comes their way. Pretty exciting stuff, right? Let's keep our eyes peeled and see how this all unfolds!
POLL | ||
Which team do you think Sidney Crosby should join if he's traded? | ||
Colorado Avalanche | 226 | 21.2 % |
Toronto Maple Leafs | 661 | 62 % |
Other | 179 | 16.8 % |
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