The hockey world is buzzing! What if we could peek inside the minds of NHL players and find out where the biggest stars might be playing in the next few years? This is exactly what The Athletic did, and the results are fascinating. They polled 120 NHL players, giving them anonymity to share their honest opinions on the hottest topics around the league. Let's dive into the burning questions: Where will Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby be playing?
Let's start with the future of Connor McDavid. Despite signing a two-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, the players are split. The rising salary cap is great for players and less great for hot-stove talk, as player movement seems to be nearing an all-time low in the cap era. Most players don’t think he’s going anywhere.
“I think him taking another two years in Edmonton really showed that he wants to win there,” one player said. “I could see him staying around. He's been there so long now. ... I think it all kind of depends on how these next two years go, but I can see him sticking around."
But here's where it gets controversial: Over 43% of the players polled believe McDavid will end up somewhere else. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the second most popular pick, with 10% of the vote. Some players even see a move to the New York Rangers (8.2%), or perhaps even Los Angeles or Anaheim.
“I think he's going to find his way home,” said one player, who doesn't play for the Leafs.
Other teams mentioned? Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Seattle, Chicago, and even Buffalo and Anaheim. One player summed it up: "If they don’t win the Stanley Cup, he’s going to play on a different team."
Now, let's turn our attention to Sidney Crosby. The overwhelming majority of players (nearly three-quarters) think he's staying put in Pittsburgh. The Penguins' surprisingly strong start to the season likely played a role in this.
“He's been a Penguin for all his career,” one non-Penguin said. “Riding it out and playing all his years there, that would be a special moment for him.”
“I think he’s a pretty loyal (guy) and seems like a guy who’s going to spend his whole career in one place,” said another.
However, there's still some speculation. Montreal and Colorado are mentioned as potential late-career destinations, with some players suggesting a move to play with his friend Nathan MacKinnon.
So, what do you think? Will McDavid stay in Edmonton? Will Crosby finish his career as a Penguin? Share your predictions in the comments below!
