Sidney Crosby : Countdown to July 1, 2012

Only 2052 days to go!

According to a Sidney Crosby biographer, that is when it is assumed that upon his first day of eligibility as an UFA, he will sign with the Montreal Canadiens.

A webpage dedicated to all things Crosby, quotes the source.

In her upcoming book, "A Season With Sidney Crosby In The NHL", author Shawna Richer, gives insight to Crosby's Habs infatuation.

"Crosby, in large part because his father Troy was drafted by the team, was always a big Montreal Canadiens fan. Prior to the 2005 entry draft it was widely assumed he would have liked to have been drafted by the Canadiens. Now 19, Crosby will be eligible for free agency when he turns 25, at which point he can sign with any team".

After her year researching the book, Richer said that Montreal fans may one day see number 87 don a Habs jersey.

"He has never come right out and said it specifically but I have no doubt in my mind that he would one day like to play for the Montreal Canadiens. I think it would mean a lot to him. I think he has a lot of love for the city of Montreal", Richer has said in a recent promo for the book.

Crosby, obviously has made no secret of his love and admiration for the Canadiens since the spotlight found the phenom in the making back in 2001. While the 19 year old superstar already ranks among today's elite, he seemingly has adate with destiny.

Pencil in July 1, 2012 on your Habs calandars, diehards!

As many already know, Sidney's father Troy, a goaltender, was drafted 240th overall in 1984 by the Canadiens. Taken 51st that year by the Habs, was none other than recently inducted Hall of Famer, Patrick Roy. While Troy Crosby's fate with the Habs may have been sealeds with the latter pick, an allegiance was somehow born in a son three years later. Young Sid evidently grew up in a Habs household.

Crosby, who is as media savvy as any teenage star could be, has never made a secret of his Habs dream.

In the 2005 lottery draft that saw him awarded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Habs came narrowly close to getting their man. Maybe that should read Crosby came as close to finding the team of his dreams.

As the final six teams remained with a shot at Crosby, camera's zoomed in on the 18 year old. Nervous facial expressions and excitement were captured, while the teen sat captivated in front of his own TV screen as we all were that day, watching his own destiny unfold. With Montreal still alive in the hunt after the sixth pick, you could see a gleam in Crosby's eyes.

That gleam flushed from Crosby's face as Gary Bettman called the Montreal pick next. His disappointment was evident and appeared earth shattering while he fielded questions dealing with the four remaining hopefuls. The letdown was so obvious, questions concerning his reaction were bountiful and long lasting.

Rumours persisted that Crosby would become a difficult signing for the Penguins. He signed a three year conditional deal with a European club, that was seen as bargaining leverage with the Penguins. Others found it was the root of a fruitless ploy that would see him re-enter the draft if not traded to the Canadiens. Perhaps not wanting to become another Eric Lindros, Crosby and his agent negotiated their in short time with the Penguins organization.

It has done little to disuade the though that one day Crosby would don the cherished jersey of his youthful dreams.

When Crosby played his first game against the Canadiens, the media buzz and subsequent player reaction set the Pittsburgh brass on damage control. It has been rumoured that Crosby was told, as was the media, to tone it down on the Montreal Q and A's.

Ottawa Sun scribe Erin Nicks has alluded to this on her blog, while witnessing Crosby's reaction first hand. She's had this to say regarding Crosby's big eyes.

"For the record, I can tell you from experience that what I said is true -- I've witnessed it myself. Crosby's demeanour alters completely whenever anyone mentions Montreal in his presence. He positively glows. It doesn't matter where that team goes, because he's going to have his day in a Canadiens uniform eventually. The talented always get what they want. Hell, in this NHL, even the not-as-talented are able to get it".

While the clock struck midnight as I wrote this, it occurred to me - only 2051 days to go!