Crosby for Necas trade idea makes sense for Colorado Avalanche

Much of the narrative surrounding Sidney Crosby’s future has been related to his eventual departure from Pittsburgh. That departure is predicated on the Penguins’ inevitable rebuild. The core that won multiple Stanley Cups is now gradually fading away.

While the Penguins may want to give it one more go, the rebuild has been precipitated by Evgeni Malkin’s retirement at the end of this upcoming season. With Malkin riding off into the sunset, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Crosby follows suit.

That prospect has fueled speculation about the Penguins trading Crosby, as they embark on their rebuild. Trading Crosby would land a sizeable haul that would allow the club to further its rebuild.

But then again, the biggest question lies in figuring out where Crosby could be traded to. Plenty of rumors have suggested multiple trade destinations. But one destination that has been consistently mentioned is Colorado.

The natural link is there between Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. We know that Crosby and MacKinnon are friends and workout partners. But what seems to be the most intriguing aspect of this entire discussion is how a Crosby-to-the-Avs trade could play out.

However, an interesting article in the Denver Gazette from July 19 posited the possibility of Crosby heading to the Mile High City in exchange for Martin Necas and more.

When you think about it, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing in the world. The Avalanche are likely going to lose Necas after this season. If the club isn’t confident in re-signing him, a trade could be on the horizon.

Meanwhile, the Penguins are rebuilding. Assuming Sid is willing to move on from the impending mess in Pittsburgh, he could waive his no-trade clause to come to Denver.

The Penguins would be willing to give Necas the contract he wants, while the Avalanche could give Sidney Crosby one last shot at the Cup. It’s not like Crosby needs another Cup ring, but it must be an interesting thought to finish out his career riding high.

Crosby to Avalanche reminiscent of Bourque in 2001

I recall watching Ray Bourque growing up. He was a staple of the Boston Bruins and the NHL in the 80s. He was a monster for the Bruins against the Edmonton Oilers in that 1988 Stanley Cup Final.

It was tough to see the Bruins get swept by the Oilers in a series that wasn’t much of a contest, power failure notwithstanding.

Bourque spent two decades chasing a cup until he finally got it in 2001. He was 40 at the time and still played over 25 minutes a night. He was driven to hoist the Cup. You could see it on his face when he finally got it.

Unlike Bourque, Crosby has lifted the Cup three times. He led the Penguins on an improbable run in 2009. But the 2016 and 2017 Cups were no fluke. Crosby has the rings. So, his coming to Colorado wouldn’t be to chase another championship.

It would be more about finding some sort of closure to his career. In some ways, it would be like seeing Gretzky play out his final years with the Rangers. He wasn’t quite the same Great One. He didn’t need the Cup rings. He just wanted to find a good situation where he could play his final years.

That’s what Colorado can offer Crosby: a safe, inviting atmosphere, much like what Ray Bourque found in 2000 and 2001. If Crosby is willing to take the risk, he might just end up winning another championship before his playing days are done.