The NHL offseason is getting closer to training camp, but several big players’ names are still at the center of trade and contract talk. Sidney Crosby is once again being linked with the Montreal Canadiens, even though there is still no strong sign that the Pittsburgh Penguins want to move their captain.Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets is another big question. The Canadiens also have a crowded defense, while Drake Batherson and Pavel Zacha have contract situations that could bring more attention before the season begins.
Could Sidney Crosby leave the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Montreal Canadiens?
Sidney Crosby’s future is being discussed again as he enters the final year of his current contract. The Montreal Canadiens connection comes from Crosby’s long-standing love for the team and his time playing junior hockey in Quebec.The latest talk gained attention after Sid Seixeiro discussed the possibility of Crosby joining Montreal on The Sid Seixeiro Show. However, there is still no clear sign that the Penguins are looking to trade their captain.The Athletic’s Josh Yohe recently wrote that he expects Crosby and Pittsburgh to start talking about a new contract toward the end of the summer. Yohe believes the deal could be for one or two years. For now, Crosby staying in Pittsburgh still looks much more likely than a move to Montreal.
Will Connor Hellebuyck remain with the Winnipeg Jets?
Connor Hellebuyck is still with the Winnipeg Jets despite a lot of trade talk earlier this summer. The longer he stays, the more questions continue to surround what the team plans to do.Jets captain Adam Lowry spoke with The Athletic’s Murat Ates about Hellebuyck and said, “Until something happens, he’s a Jet.” Lowry also called him a good friend and said the team is excited to have him back.That does not mean a trade is off the table. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has suggested that trade talks could heat up again closer to training camp. The Buffalo Sabres have been linked with Hellebuyck, and other teams could also enter the picture if Winnipeg decides to make a deal.Hellebuyck has a no-move clause for 2026-27, while that protection drops to a 21-team no-trade list next offseason
Could Adam Engstrom help the Canadiens add more forward depth?
The Canadiens have several defensemen competing for spots after Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Noah Dobson and Kaiden Guhle.Arber Xhekaj, Alexandre Carrier, Adam Engstrom and Jayden Struble are among the players who could be fighting for the remaining spots.The Athletic’s Arpon Basu recently said Engstrom has been brought up as a possible trade candidate. Montreal still values the young defenseman, but the team could use him or another defenseman to improve its forward group.
Will Drake Batherson and Pavel Zacha get new contracts?
Drake Batherson is entering the final year of his contract with the Ottawa Senators after putting up a career-best 33 goals and 71 points last season.Reports have indicated that Batherson wants an eight-year extension before the September 15 deadline. After trading Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa has even more reason to keep one of its top wingers.In Boston, Pavel Zacha is also heading into the final year of his four-year, $19 million contract. Boston Herald reporter Steve Conroy believes Zacha is worth keeping, but the 29-year-old center could also bring a good return in a trade.The Bruins are believed to want to re-sign him, but his situation could become more important closer to the trade deadline if Boston is not in the playoff race.