Sidney Crosby will need a rebuilt roster for the 2025-26 NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he’s reportedly interested in a key Vegas Golden Knights player. The Montreal Canadiens have entered the picture and are now also pursuing him.
It wasn’t an easy NHL season for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will look to bounce back in the 2025–26 campaign led once again by superstar Sidney Crosby. As part of their rebuilding efforts, they are reportedly targeting a defenseman from the Vegas Golden Knights, but the Montreal Canadiens are also emerging as contenders for his services.
The Penguins finished last season in 7th place in the Metropolitan Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for the third straight year. After recording 36 regulation losses and 12 overtime defeats, it’s clear their defense needs reinforcement.
With that in mind, Crosby’s team appears ready to make a splash in the offseason. Pittsburgh is reportedly pursuing a standout Golden Knights player, but they may face strong competition from the Canadiens.
The player drawing interest from both the Penguins and Canadiens
According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, the Canadiens and the Penguins are trying to acquire Vegas defenseman Nic Hague. For both teams, he would be a strong addition to their blue line ahead of next season.
Vegas is open to listening to offers for Hague, who is a restricted free agent (RFA) and has yet to sign an extension. The Golden Knights are facing financial constraints and a crowded defensive corps, which opens the door for a possible move.
Canadiens also aiming to bolster their defense
While Montreal didn’t have as disappointing a season as Pittsburgh, they only made the playoffs as the final seed in the Eastern Conference and were quickly eliminated in the first round by the Washington Capitals. Their defensive shortcomings were exposed, making a player like Hague a logical target.
