Report: Canadiens and Maple Leafs Agreed to Matthew Knies Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens were closer to completing a blockbuster deal involving forward Matthew Knies than previously known, but a last-minute timing issue prevented it from becoming official.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Canadiens approached the Maple Leafs late on trade deadline day with a significant offer for Knies. Toronto agreed to the deal, but the trade was never finalized because it was not submitted to the league before the 3 p.m. ET cutoff. Elliotte Friedman reported it was 3:01, to be exact.

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The proposed return was substantial. Montreal was prepared to send highly touted prospect Alexander Zharovsky, another top prospect, and two first-round draft picks to Toronto in exchange for the young winger. Sources confirmed that the second prospect involved was neither Michael Hage nor David Reinbacher, two of the Canadiens’ more recognizable young assets.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes recently acknowledged that he had attempted to complete a “significant deal” at the deadline, though he didn’t get into specifics. Multiple reports have confirmed that the near-acquisition was Knies.

Knies Deal to Canadiens Now Off The Table

Despite how close the trade came to completion, it appears unlikely the two teams will circle back. While Hughes indicated the possibility of revisiting the deal this offseason, there has been a major change in Toronto’s front office. The agreement was reached under former GM Brad Treliving, and it remains unclear if new general manager John Chayka has any interest in pursuing a similar framework.

Friedman has reported that he no longer believes the deal could happen and that the offer is off the table.

The near-miss suggests Montreal was willing to send several pieces be to acquire a young, power forward. Perhaps they’ll be willing to step up and make another big offer again this summer, with names like Mason McTavish and Alexis Lafreniere in the rumor mill.

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