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Chicago Blackhawks acquire Sidney Crosby's teammate: What about #87 next?
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Sidney Crosby's teammate through a professional tryout offer (PTO), and reports suggest the team could go after him as well.
After a summer filled with speculation about what direction Chicago would take, the Blackhawks made an intriguing move by bringing in defenseman Matt Grzelcyk on a professional tryout.
The 30-year-old blueliner is coming off the best season of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored one goal and 39 assists for 40 points in 82 games.
For Chicago, the appeal is obvious.
The team has been searching for depth and experience on the back end, and Grzelcyk fits that mold perfectly. A PTO doesn't guarantee him a contract, but it provides the Hawks with flexibility and a chance to see how he performs in camp.
But what really makes this signing interesting is the connection to Sidney Crosby.
Sidney Crosby in Chicago After Hawks Sign Penguins Defenseman To PTO?
The Penguins are in the early stages of a rebuild under general manager Kyle Dubas and will be looking to ship away their veteran core if they can't win games early in the season.
With Pittsburgh missing the playoffs in three straight years, the future of Crosby himself is being questioned.
Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, didn't exactly close the door on his client moving on from Pittsburgh.
"It's a possibility, you know? It's been three years they haven't made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is going to do. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion."
That comment carries weight, especially now that one of Crosby's recent teammates has landed in Chicago.
The Blackhawks are still in the process of building their identity, but they have the cap space, the star power in Connor Bedard, and now, perhaps, a connection that could make things very interesting in the near future.
The idea appears far-fetched, and it would be surprising to see Crosby in Chicago, but it's still fun to entertain.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 335 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks acquire Sidney Crosby's teammate: What about #87 next? Do you think Sidney Crosby will spend the rest of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 254 | 75.8 % |
| No | 81 | 24.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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