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According to Stu Cowan, the price would look similar to the one reported in the Matthew Knies situation.
The analyst weighed in on the Sick Podcast.
His answer provides a concrete benchmark for evaluating what it would cost the Canadiens to acquire Marchenko.
He believes the return would be similar to the one revealed in the failed Matthew Knies trade earlier this year.
It’s an interesting comparison.
Because in the Knies situation, David Pagnotta confirmed that the Canadiens came very close to acquiring the Maple Leafs forward at the trade deadline.
Knies, a 6-foot-3 power forward, recorded 23 goals and 66 points in 79 games despite a -30 rating last season.
His contract also factors into the equation.
The left-shot forward is signed through 2031 at $7.75 million per season.
Montreal’s reported Knies offer sets Marchenko’s price
Pagnotta detailed Montreal’s reported offer.
Toronto was close to sending Knies to Montreal in exchange for four assets, headlined by prospect Alexander Zharovsky and two first-round picks.
Zharovsky, 19, recorded 16 goals and 42 points in 59 KHL games with Salavat Yulaev Ufa last season.
The fourth piece remains less clear.
That gives a clear idea of the asking price.
A high-end prospect, two first-round picks and a young defenceman would be a massive price for the Canadiens.
The question is whether Kent Hughes would be willing to empty that much of his asset pool for Marchenko, just as he reportedly was for Knies.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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The 4 pieces the Canadiens may have to give up to acquire Kirill Marchenko
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