The Buffalo Sabres are trying to end their playoff drought, and there is optimism entering this season that they might be able to do it. One of the teams they will likely be competing with for a playoff spot is the Montreal Canadiens, who were a surprise playoff team this past season.
The Canadiens have been busy trying to keep that momentum, and added Noah Dobson and Zack Bolduc. However, their biggest move might be during the season and trading for arguably one of the biggest stars in the NHL.
Recently, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic wrote about the possibility of Sidney Crosby leaving Pittsburgh, and his agent Pat Brisson didn't immediately dismiss the idea. The connection to Montreal is an obvious one, as Crosby grew up being a Canadiens fan, and in the article was quoted as mentioning loving to play in that environment back in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
If Sidney Crosby is traded, Montreal Canadiens are a likely destination and that could be a problem for the Buffalo Sabres
The Canadiens have a great young core of players and have only gotten better since last season. If they could add a veteran like Crosby, they would have to jump at the opportunity. Crosby has been in the league for 20 years, and while he may not be one of the best players anymore, he is still very good and would be a big help to the team.
The Sabres are somewhat in a similar position to the one that the Canadiens were in last season, as they haven't been successful on the ice the past few years. It will be a different story, though, if some of their younger players, like Jiri Kulich, Josh Norris, or Jack Quinn, can take that next step and reach their potential.
As Brisson said in the article, Crosby just wants to win. If the Penguins get off to a fast start, then the speculation will go away, and Crosby wouldn't entertain the idea of being traded. A slow start is a different story and one that the Buffalo Sabres are going to have to pay attention to.