Sidney Crosby harshly criticizes the trade between the Canadiens and the Avalanche

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Jeff Drouin
March 25, 2022 (1:08 PM)

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As you obviously know, the Montreal Canadiens made a major trade with the Avalanche on Monday at the trade deadline. Finnish forward Artturi Lehkonen moved to Colorado, while promising young defenseman Justin Barron went the other way. (along with a second round pick)

Reactions were numerous following the trade, here in Quebec, among journalists and fans, but it also made people react in the NHL locker room.

In particular, in the Pittsburgh Penguins' locker room. Defenseman Kris Letang, on the "Lavoie-Letang" podcast, revealed that his popular teammate Sidney Crosby had severely criticized the transaction.

Why?

"Sidney Crosby has known so many talented players that he knows them when he sees them. In his eyes, Justin Barron is clearly in that category. In fact, Crosby believes the Colorado Avalanche made a mistake in trading the promising defenseman to the Montreal Canadiens." - TVASports.ca

Letang adds this:

"Upon learning of the trade, Crosby said, 'I never would have done this if I were the Avalanche. This kid here, he's a really good hockey player. He's ready to play in the NHL and he's going to be a good player." - Kris Letang

Wow. Apparently Crosby really knows Barron well (they practiced and played together last summer in Halifax) and #87 really praised him to Letang.

Crosby is unequivocal: the Colorado Avalanche made a big mistake in trading Justin Barron, and it's nothing against Artturi Lehkonen.

We understand that for Tricolore fans, coming from a guy like Sidney Crosby, this is extremely pleasing to hear. Moreover, knowing his proximity to the Avalanche's star player, Nathan MacKinnon, we imagine that the face of the Colorado franchise must not have been too happy either to see the young Barron change his address.

Really looking forward to seeing the kid in action in Montreal over the next few years. Solid addition from DG Kent Hughes!