Sidney CrosbyPhoto credit: CTV News Atlantic

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh were once thought to be a match made in heaven, but at age 36 and three Stanley Cups later, the glass-slippers fall off and the relationship is reset.

The superstar forward is eligible for an extension, but GM Kyle Dubas and Fenway Sports Group are dragging their heels.

Could this end up with Sidney Crosby exiting Pittsburgh to move to Toronto and end up being Auston Matthews’s linemate?

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According to TSN’s Brian Hayes, it’s a scenario to consider:

«If [Crosby] is going to wait it out, play his final year, and hit free agency next year, [then he should sign with] the Toronto Maple Leafs — it doesn’t get bigger than that in the hockey world,» Hayes said. “Maybe the greatest Canadian captain of all time, or real close to it, with Wayne Gretzky, with Mark Messier, with Mario Lemieux.

«One of the great winners of all time. Golden goal in 2010. Come home, come to Canada, end the Canadian Cup drought as a Maple Leaf. [John] Tavares leaves, Sid comes in. It all works out for everybody.»

Crosby’s Agent Pat Brisson mentioned that before the NHL draft, he and Sid discussed the vision for the future in Pittsburgh and see if he’d like to remain with the club that drafted him in 2005.

With Brad Treliving at the helm, the Maple Leafs aren’t afraid to make the moves necessary to bring Crosby in, even if it means jettisoning Captain John Tavares.

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Tavares tenure has been a disappointment in Toronto and it seems the Leafs are rumored to be ready to strip the “C” from Tavares jersey.

Crosby is busy trying to decide if the future is worth it in Pittsburgh if they’re not trying to contend again. The Captain could return home to Canada, but would it be in Toronto or elsewhere?