Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens and head coach Martin St. Louis almost pulled off a massive deadline blockbuster for Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies.
Nick Kypreos dropped an absolute bomb regarding Kent Hughes and his strangely quiet trade deadline. The insider revealed Montreal was hunting for a franchise-altering piece.
«There is a sense that the deal [Kent Hughes] was working on was with the Leafs I can tell you [Matthew Knies’] name was out there with multiple teams.»
A trade between these two bitter Atlantic Division rivals is incredibly rare. The optics alone would send shockwaves through the locker room and the entire fan base.
But the logic checks out for a Montreal squad looking for a physical, top-six piece. They want controlled entries and relentless forechecking.
With 51 points already in the bank through 61 games, Knies is enjoying a highly productive campaign. He brings the exact type of heavy game Montreal craves.
He adds serious muscle to the lineup, racking up 122 hits while averaging 18:45 of ice time per night. He’s the kind of guy that would be absolutely beloved in Montreal.
Toronto signed the 23-year-old to a massive six-year extension last summer. Shockingly, that contract carries zero trade protection until the 2030-31 season.
Brad Treliving ultimately said no to the Montreal offer. The proposed package simply was not massive enough to pull the trigger on a division swap.
Knies remains a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Toronto. His 35 assists show an elite level of crisp passing and offensive vision.
Over his NHL career, the big winger has proven he can handle the intense pressure of the Show. He thrives when the spotlight is blinding.
He was held scoreless against Florida last month and went minus-4. He immediately bounced back with consecutive multi-point efforts.
Montreal boasts one of the deepest prospect pools in the league. They hold the exact blue line assets and draft capital Toronto desperately needs right now.
Do not expect this specific rumor to die anytime soon. Treliving wants a massive locker room shakeup, and Hughes is clearly hunting for elite offensive output.
Both sides walked away on Friday. Expect this exact file to be ripped wide open again before the upcoming draft.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
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The Montreal Canadiens’ trade offer for Matthew Knies has been revealed
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