The Detroit Red Wings could be in a position to land a future Hall of Famer. The Wings are an up-and-coming team that could be one or two pieces away from becoming a Stanley Cup contender.
In that regard, the Red Wings could pluck one of this generation’s best players from a team desperately trying to stave off a rebuild. The team in question is the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the legend is Sidney Crosby.
So, here’s a look at what the proposed trade could look like:
Red Wings get:
Sidney Crosby, F
Penguins get:
2026 first-round pick
J.T. Compher, F
The Penguins are inevitably headed toward a rebuild. The club has one more year of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. However, there’s no telling how well Malkin will play in his final season.
Meanwhile, Crosby has two years left on his current deal. But he may be inclined to waive his no-trade clause and finish out his playing days on a team with a chance to win another championship. That team could be the Detroit Red Wings, given the number of young players coming up through the team’s pipeline.
As such, Crosby could steer the situation to essentially force the Penguins to trade him to the team he wants. If Detroit is one of those clubs, the deal could come to fruition.
As for the price paid by the Wings, the first-round pick would be more of a courtesy for a player of Crosby’s stature. Also, adding J.T. Compher would be more of a replacement for Crosby in the Penguins’ lineup. The Pens will need a center, and Compher could fill that role.
Crosby Instantly Elevates Red Wings’ Cup Chances
For the first time in years, the Red Wings would have two top-tier centers in the lineup. Crosby could take over the top-line spot from Dylan Larkin. Larkin could slide down into the 2C role, providing the club with more flexibility in the lineup.
However, Todd McLellan could deploy Larkin and Crosby interchangeably as top-line centers based on game situations and team needs. Plus, the Wings could have an opportunity to stack a top line with Larkin, Crosby, and Lucas Raymond.
The idea of adding Crosby is a tantalizing one for a young team loaded with talent. Adding a three-time Stanley Cup champion could be just what this young club needs to push toward the playoffs.
Crosby Wouldn’t Mean an Instant Stanley Cup
Adding Sidney Crosby wouldn’t mean an instant Stanley Cup in Detroit. Sure, he’s the sort of player who can turn any team around in an instant. But fans should have realistic expectations.
The Red Wings are still a young team. Therefore, there is still much to learn in terms of winning and going through the rigors of playoff success. But then again, a wily veteran like Crosby can deflect much of the pressure away from Detroit’s young core.
But then again, fans have seen the Red Wings come close to making the postseason. That’s why adding Crosby could be that missing ingredient that leads to the playoffs and a championship.
Some might argue that it’s too soon for the Red Wings to make a deal such as this one. But if the Wings can land Crosby now, there’s no reason why the club shouldn’t pull the trigger.
Red Wings Land NHL Legend in Latest Trade Idea