As the NHL season unfolds, a dramatic shift may be brewing beneath the surface—one with the potential to shake up multiple franchises and rewrite the legacy of some of hockey’s biggest stars. The Florida Panthers, beset by a wave of injuries to key players, suddenly find themselves at a crossroads. With captain Aleksander Barkov sidelined for months, rumors are swirling about possible replacements, and a surprising name has entered the conversation: Evgeni Malkin.

But the ripple effects of such a move could extend far beyond Florida. Deep in Pittsburgh, the unthinkable is being whispered among insiders and fans alike. Could the departure of a longtime teammate and friend be the catalyst that finally convinces Sidney Crosby to consider leaving the only NHL team he’s ever known? And if so, which organization would be best positioned to land one of the game’s greatest leaders?

The Montreal Canadiens, flush with young talent and ambition, are quietly preparing for a moment that could change their future forever. But what would it take to make this fantasy a reality? And how might a single trade set off a chain reaction that brings an icon to Montreal? The answers may surprise you.

Nov 27, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and center Evgeni Malkin (71) talk before a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Florida Panthers are heavily affected by injuries, and this situation could benefit Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Several players, including Matthew Tkachuk, Tomas Nosek, and Aleksander Barkov, are all injured, and their absences could hurt the team – especially that of the Finnish captain, who will miss 7 to 9 months of activity due to an injury suffered during training camp.

Replacing the veteran center will be difficult, but not impossible.

Greg Wyshynski actually has a good idea and suggested Evgeni Malkin as Barkov’s replacement.

“The growing narrative in the league right now with Barkov going out and Malkin having a house in Miami, that they’ll probably find a way for him to be the 1C in Florida before too long.”

– Greg Wyshynski via Halford & Brough

The first step toward convincing Sidney Crosby to leave the Pittsburgh Penguins

As mentioned by Charles-Alexis Brisebois from the site DLC, Malkin’s departure could plant doubt in Sidney Crosby’s mind.

Seeing his friend leave the organization, combined with the team’s struggles, could help convince Sid to abandon ship.

At that point, Kent Hughes will be ready – he has the tools to go after the veteran forward.

“We talked about the Montreal Canadiens… how great that young talent pool is… Montreal would do whatever is possible to get Sidney Crosby”

– Darren Dreger via Barn Burner

How a Malkin Trade Could Impact the Canadiens’ Pursuit of Crosby

However, for that to happen, the Canadiens will need to be well-positioned in the standings, and the Penguins would have to be near the bottom.

The Penguins currently have a 3-2-0 record to start the season – we’ll just have to see if that lasts!

Still, the idea of playing on the same line as Ivan Demidov could also convince Number 87 to request a trade to Montreal. We know Crosby has met with his agent and family recently to discuss his future…

The young Russian forward could certainly help extend Crosby’s career by a few more years.