New Name Floated in Search For Canadiens Mystery Trade Target?

The most interesting story — and number one talking point — weeks after the trade deadline remains the deal that didn’t happen for the Montreal Canadiens. GM Kent Hughes made it clear he was close to making a big splash before the deadline, and it’s something he hopes to revisit this summer.

That has led to mass speculation across the hockey world as fans try to solve the mystery. Much of that has connected Montreal to Matthew Knies, whose name has really started to emerge in the rumor mill. While it seems the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs at least talked trade, recent reports suggest it might not have gotten all that close.

---

As a result, the search goes on, and on Monday night, popular Habs fan account HFTV Sports appeared to throw out a new name that some are inferring could have been it.

HFTV Sports wrote:

“Nico Hischier,”

Interestingly enough, the 27-year-old Hischier is in year six of the seven-year, $50.75 million extension he signed with the New Jersey Devils back in 2019, and he will be eligible for a new extension come July 1.

He’s had a bit of a down year offensively for his standards, with 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) produced across 67 games played so far.

While there is no concrete evidence to suggest Hischier was the target, there’s no doubt he would make a world of sense for Montreal. He would be the elite second-line center they’ve long been searching for, forming a 1-2 punch down the middle with Nick Suzuki while also fitting the team’s timeline to win — right in the prime of his career.

But why would New Jersey trade its captain? This season has been a huge disappointment, and reports before the deadline indicated that GM Tom Fitzgerald wanted to send a message by shaking up the core of his team. That doesn’t necessarily mean Hischier, though he is due for a pay raise, and if the Devils aren’t willing to pony up, trading him as early as this offseason becomes very possible.

Hischier’s situation will be one to watch in New Jersey this summer, because one way or another, you would expect some news sooner rather than later — whether that be an extension or more rumblings about a potential trade.

Next: Canadiens Insider Reveals 3 Players Discussed in Matthew Knies Trade Return