Earlier this week, Pittsburgh radio host Mark Madden sparked fan discussions during his appearance on the “Breakfast with Benz” podcast.
Madden claimed that Kris Letang had requested a trade, stating:
“I heard there were discussions to try and bring Letang to Montreal at his request, but nothing came of it.”
Mark Madden
The quote can be heard at the 16:50 mark of the episode.
Surprisingly, this rumor hasn’t gained more traction, and given Madden’s credibility, it’s hard to dismiss the claim entirely. Whether true or not, it raises an important question:
Would trading Letang be a smart move for the Penguins?
For many fans, trading Letang would be unthinkable and a serious mistake, but some might argue that now could be the right time for such a move.
The Penguins have not won a playoff series since 2018 and have missed the playoffs in the last two seasons. Despite the recent trades made by Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to improve the team’s draft position, there remains a need for more prospects.
While Montreal might not be the perfect trade destination, it could be wise for the Penguins to consider all options for trading Letang, especially if he requested it.
Reading between the lines, this trade rumor might explain why Sidney Crosby has been hesitant to sign an extension.
Not much has been done to strengthen the team’s top six forwards, and trading Jake Guentzel has forced them to rely more on Drew O’Connor. If Madden’s information is accurate, Crosby is likely aware of Letang’s request, which doesn’t bode well for team morale.
As the season approaches, questions about Crosby’s contract discussions and Letang’s potential trade request create an uneasy atmosphere. Even if nothing comes of the trade talk, the uncertainty heading into the 2024-25 season is concerning.
The Penguins are at a critical juncture, and how they handle these challenges will shape not only this season but the franchise’s future.
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