Sidney Crosby: Could Montreal Canadiens be his next destination?

The thought of Sidney Crosby ever getting away from Pittsburgh had been unfathomable before. For about two decades, he has been the face of the franchise, leading them to 3 Stanley Cups and confirming his place among the all-time greats.

New speculation has since stirred owing to Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, weighing in. He was quoted as saying that a trade is "always a possibility," possibly allowing Crosby to end his career elsewhere. The team creating the most noise? The Montreal Canadiens.

Sidney Crosby and the Montreal Canadiens connection

The lifelong link between Sidney Crosby and the Canadiens adds an emotional feature to the growing speculation. Crosby was raised in Nova Scotia and followed Montreal as a child, admiring the rich history of the club.

Wearing a Canadiens jersey at the end of his career would truly be a storybook coming full circle. Along with the sentimental side is the actual hockey side of things. Montreal is building a solid youthful roster and has just recently returned to the playoffs.

Throwing in the leadership and championship experience of Crosby could instantly transform them into serious Stanley Cup contenders and, possibly, end Canada’s very long wait since 1993.

Will Sidney Crosby leave the Pittsburgh Penguins for a new challenge?

Crosby has poured out everything-his records, his trophies, and his loyalty-in Pittsburgh. While the Penguin team is aging and nothing much deep loss pay-off can be arranged, at this moment in Crosby's career, he must think whether he stays loyal like Mario Lemieux, who never left Pittsburgh, or accepts a new challenge. For fans, the very mere thought of Crosby pursuing a fourth Stanley Cup with the Canadiens is mesmerizing.

It would also bring some heavy symbolism: maybe the finest Canadian player of his era could possibly lift the Stanley Cup yet again for Canada's most illustrious franchise.Also Read: Twitter explodes after Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects $128M extensionThe future of Sidney Crosby is no longer a closed book. Either he will stay with the Penguins or take this last shot of glory in Montreal, and the hockey world will be watching very attentively. One decision might change not only the prestige of Crosby himself but also the balance of power in the NHL.