Getty
A notable insider doubled down on the main piece heading to Montreal in the purported Maple Leafs-Canadiens blockbuster this season.
Ever since the NHL trade deadline came and went, rumors have floated about a botched blockbuster deal involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.
There have been various accounts and stories about the purported deal. While there has been no “official” confirmation that there ever was a deal in the works between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, the talk is that the main piece heading to Montreal was Matthew Knies.
That’s a version that insider Elliotte Friedman doubled down on in his latest 32 Thoughts Podcast. In the episode, Friedman discussed how the passing mention that Maple Leafs CEO Keith Pelley made about two key prospects, Michael Hage of the Canadiens and Radim Mrtka of the Buffalo Sabres.
It seems that Pelley had a Freudian slip by naming two players the Maple Leafs were interested in at the trade deadline. But it was Hage that the Leafs really wanted, and were apparently willing to ship Knies to Montreal to get him.
“In this deal that didn’t quite happen between Toronto and Montreal, which I still believe was Knies, even though everyone’s denied it. I don’t think Hage was in the deal.”
So, two things to consider here.
First, at least according to Friedman, Knies was the main piece heading to Montreal. The Canadiens wanted a top-six forward at the trade deadline, and the Maple Leafs winger would have been just the second.
Second, the Leafs wanted Hage, the University of Michigan standout, as the main piece back. But the Habs’ reluctance to part with him would suggest that was the main reason for the trade falling apart.
Of course, there’s no telling just how close this deal was, or if it ever really happened.
Maple Leafs-Sabres Trade Seems Even Murkier
Friedman also brought up the matter of a purported Maple Leafs-Sabres trade. However, that was just a weird reference on the part of Pelley during his latest presser. Perhaps he was speaking from his knowledge of the insider negotiations. The prevailing chatter, notwithstanding, does not support that there ever was a deal in the works.
If anything, the Sabres might have touched base with the Maple Leafs about which players might be available. Considering Buffalo was a buyer at this year’s trade deadline, it’s certainly possible to assume that was the case.
But it’s also safe to assume that the conversation didn’t get very far, as the Maple Leafs and Sabres were never rumored to be close to anything.
What to read next: Maple Leafs Next Firing Already in the Works
Knies May Still Be on the Move
As for Knies, the ongoing chatter is that the Maple Leafs will entertain a deal as long as the price is right. While that doesn’t mean that Knies is on the block necessarily, it does point towards the organization willing to consider anything at this point.
It makes sense. The Leafs are looking to pull a 180-degree turn this offseason. The club wants to get back to the playoffs next season. Since the talk is that the organization feels this season was a one-off aberration.
Thus, the Maple Leafs could be looking to pull off an aggressive offseason to get back on track, much like the Boston Bruins did this season.
The pieces are there for such a turnaround. That’s why it will be a matter of seeing if the organization can follow through.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
More Heavy on Maple Leafs
Loading more stories