Canadiens’ Top Trade Target is Off the Board: Plan B Locked In?

If it wasn’t already obvious, Chris Johnston has put a stamp on the idea that any chance the Montreal Canadiens have or had of acquiring Sidney Crosby in a trade is now gone. In a recent trade match article for The Athletic, the NHL insider put an end to any lingering rumors.

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“There was a time when Montreal might have held out hope Sidney Crosby would become available on the trade market, but that ship has now sailed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in a playoff spot,” said Johnston. “Surveying the list of other veteran centers available, they might not get a shot to add anyone better than [Nazem] Kadri.”

Crosby was the Canadiens’ ideal target. However, two major things had to happen for him to be a possibility in Montreal. First, the Penguins needed to have a disastrous season. If they weren’t in the mix at all, maybe Crosby and the Penguins revisited the idea of selling him at the deadline to help the franchise’s rebuild. Second, he would have to waive his no-trade and wrap his head around leaving the only NHL franchise he’s ever played for.

Neither happened. The Penguins are much better than almost any analyst of fan thought they might be. There is no way Crosby leaves with his team in the postseason conversation.

Canadiens Will Shift to Other Targets

Johnston notes that the Canadiens — who are rumored to be comfortable with their roster — might shift focus elsewhere. “Even after acquiring Phillip Danault earlier in the season, the Canadiens could still use another center to strengthen their ability to go on a playoff run,” he writes.

He added, “Kadri is a competitor who would immediately raise the ceiling in Montreal. While there’s legitimate concern around how well his contract will age, with another three seasons remaining after this one, the fact he would be in favor of a move to the Habs, according to league sources, should bring a measure of comfort.”

Kadri is reportedly open to joining the Canadiens, and they are not on his no-trade list. The good news for the Canadiens is that Kadri’s price is dropping. With other centers available, interest in his services has dropped over the past few weeks.

For the Canadiens, he would still be a nice fit. A playoff-proven performer with a Stanley Cup on his resume, there are worse backup plans to Crosby than him.

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