Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from the crew at Last Word on Hockey. We’re two games into the Stanley Cup Final, and the teams are heading back to Vegas tied at one game apiece. While the final two teams battle for hockey’s holy grail, other teams are focusing on next season. This includes the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. This edition focuses on the trade that fell through between the two teams before the trade deadline.
All NHL rumours come from their original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours: Update on the Trade That Fell Through between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs
As trade chatter picks up, sources tell me Montreal & Toronto agreed to a trade involving Matthew Knies ahead of the trade deadline, but the deal didn’t get thru in time. Will they revisit with a new Leafs GM?
More here, plus Larkin, Nurse, Eakins + more https://t.co/Sg8rBfiFKI
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 4, 2026
Rumour: According to David Pagnotta on The Fourth Period, as well as Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Canadiens and Maple Leafs came right down to the wire on a trade before the trade deadline. The deal, which was accepted by both teams, reportedly included Matthew Knies heading to Montreal in exchange for Alexander Zharovsky, another top prospect and two first-round picks.
Analysis: This deal would have been absolutely massive had it gone through. Knies has become a force in the league already, producing 67 goals and 160 assists in 240 games. He’s the type of power forward the Canadiens would have loved to have on their recent Stanley Cup run, and one of the biggest needs outside of a number two centre. Knies would have been able to provide the size and secondary scoring the Habs desperately needed against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. Being just 23, he fits exactly what Kent Hughes is looking for as one of the final pieces to what is an outstanding-looking roster.
According to Friedman, the only reason this deal never went through is that it was submitted at 3:01 pm. One minute past the actual deadline. Other than that, we would be looking at Matthew Knies in a Canadiens uniform.
Where Do the Two Teams Go from Here?
Will these two teams revisit this trade in the offseason? It’s highly unlikely. Brad Treliving has been relieved of his general manager duties in Toronto, so there’s no telling if the newly appointed general manager, John Chayka has any interest in moving the young power forward. While surely the Canadiens would still be interested in acquiring Knies, they have a glaring need for a second-line centre. The Canadiens may be better suited to use their assets to fill that hole instead. Someone like Dylan Larkin, who has recently requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings.
The other issue that presents itself with the Canadiens is Zharovsky is close with current Habs player Ivan Demidov, who is looking to sign a contract extension with the Canadiens and has invited Zharovsky to Montreal to train with him this summer. Would dealing him leave a sour taste in Demidov’s mouth and make negotiations a little tougher for the skilled forward? While it may not have any impact, it’s something Hughes has to be thinking about, considering Demidov will be a crucial part of the team moving forward.
Both the Canadiens and Maple Leafs will be extremely busy this offseason; however, we don’t expect talks to pick up regarding this trade. What we do know is that the Canadiens won’t be afraid to move their top prospects in order to improve their roster. So we can expect a big move from Kent Hughes this offseason.
Main Photo: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
