New details emerge on Leafs blockbuster trade that fell apart at the last second

The NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, but one potential blockbuster continues to generate buzz around the league. According to insiders, the Montreal Canadiens may have come very close to landing a major piece from their historic rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Habs general manager Kent Hughes appeared before reporters about 45 minutes late following the deadline last Friday, clearly frustrated. Hughes admitted he had been working on a significant trade that would have had a major impact on the Canadiens’ lineup, but the deal ultimately could not be finalized in time. He also revealed that discussions surrounding the potential transaction could resume during the offseason.

Since then, speculation has been swirling about the identity of the player Montreal was targeting. One particularly intriguing name has surfaced: Matthew Knies.

During a recent segment, insider Nick Kypreos suggested there may have been real traction between the two teams.

“There is a sense, in at least my inner world, that the deal [Kent Hughes] was working on was with the Toronto Maple Leafs… There is a sense out there that perhaps there was something brewing around [Matthew Knies]… I can tell you that his name was out there with multiple teams.”

Fellow insider Elliotte Friedman acknowledged hearing similar chatter, though some folks have attempted to deny the rumours since the deal broke apart.

“I heard those same theories. It was denied to me, but obviously there’s some smoke there.”

If true, it would have been a stunning move considering how rarely Montreal and Toronto complete trades with one another, especially when a young cornerstone player is involved. The idea of this almost-trade resurfaced yesterday when the Maple Leafs visited the Canadiens at the Bell Center.

At 23 years old, Knies has quickly become one of Toronto’s most valuable pieces. The young power forward is currently enjoying a strong season with 16 goals and 35 assists for 51 points in 62 games despite the Leafs’ struggles. Knies is also signed long-term, with five seasons remaining on a contract carrying an average annual value of $7.75 million. And he is the only member of the Maple Leafs core who lacks no-trade protection.

That combination of size, production and upside means the asking price would have been enormous. Toronto would almost certainly have demanded multiple top prospects and valuable draft picks to even consider moving the young forward.

Still, if the rumors hold any truth, this may not be the last time we hear about a potential Knies-to-Montreal deal.