Quinn Hughes vs. Sidney Crosby: Who Gets Traded First?

If you're looking for two teams to watch closely on the trade market, start with the Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams have captains in Quinn Hughes and Sidney Crosby, who are likely to hit the trade market if the team underperforms this season. In an ideal world, both captains eventually re-sign another contract to stick around, but the results of this season are going to influence the decision.

Hughes made it clear in his exit interview last season with Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin that long-term, he'd like to team up with his brothers in New Jersey, but how soon that takes place, right now, is anyone's guess. Everyone's been very candid about the situation, and even Rutherford admitted getting Hughes inked to a long-term extension was going to be tough 'considering his brothers don't play here'.

In Pittsburgh, the end goal for Crosby is to win another Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh and retire a Penguin, but after seeing close friend, and long-time Boston Bruin Brad Marchand get dealt and win another Stanley Cup, it's apparently opened the eyes to Crosby of a possibility of a life outside of Pittsburgh. His agent stated it's a possibility now more than ever, and even Crosby admitted he just wants to win. Kyle Dubas tried to get the Penguins younger, and tougher to play against, but we'll have to see if their goaltending can hold up to keep them in the playoff race.

So, this begs the question - who gets traded first, Hughes or Crosby?

The NHLTR prediction is that Crosby gets moved this season, and likely to the Colorado Avalanche. Don't be surprised if Martin Necas is heading back to Pittsburgh, or Samuel Girard and a package of prospects. The Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights are going to be heavily involved, among other teams, but those four stand out as potential leaders.

As for Hughes, if he gets dealt to New Jersey, that feels like an offseason thing, as he'll be eligible to sign an extension in July, he'll decline to do so, and the team will grant his wish and move him to the Devils. Look for Seamus Casey and Dawson Mercer to likely be heading the other way.