NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens, and the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Montreal Canadiens were close on a right-handed defenseman with term, as well as moving Patrik Laine

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period: Believe that the Montreal Canadiens were trying to acquire a top-line calibre forward at the trade deadline. Sources say that a top-line calibre forward wasn’t what GM Kent Hughes was talking about when he said: “We spent a lot of time (on) one deal in particular, and it went down to the last minute, but it doesn’t prevent us from revisiting in the summer.”

They checked in on Nazem Kadri again, but that wasn’t what Hughes was referring to. They were close on moving Patrik Laine’s contract, but obviously didn’t get it done.

The Canadiens were close to acquiring a right-handed defenseman with term. The details were worked out, but a source said that the other team pulled back.

NHL Rumors: Zach Whitecloud, Erik Haula, and Nick Schmaltz

Toronto Maple Leafs notes – from those to didn’t generate much interest, to Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period: The Toronto Maple Leafs were listening on almost everyone. Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton wanted big raises, so they moved them in the end. The Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets were interested in McMann, who was traded to Seattle. The Tampa Bay Lightning were one of the teams interested in Laughton.

Max Domi, Simon Benoit and Calle Jarnkrok didn’t really generate any interest. Oliver Ekman-Larsson wanted to stay, and on Thursday night, he thought he was going to get traded, according to different sources.

Elliotte Friedman mentioned there was some speculation about Matthew Knies. A source said “there was a chance.” Not convinced that talks will happen again in the offseason.

NHL Rumors: Were the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens Talking Matthew Knies?

Believe that GM Brad Treliving will remain as GM, but a coaching change may not be a surprise. They’ll talk to Auston Matthews this offseason about the direction of the team and his future. One team out West was showing interest in Morgan Rielly.

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