Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs miss major trade for Knies
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 4:59 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
A proposed trade involving Matthew Knies between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs fell through just after the NHL's trade deadline on March 3. Sources reveal that the deal was submitted one minute late, causing the trade to be disallowed. The Canadiens were set to acquire Knies in exchange for a significant package, including top prospect Alexander Zharovsky and two first-round picks. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes acknowledged the close call and hinted at potential discussions in the offseason, although the new Leafs GM John Chayka complicates future negotiations. The missed opportunity reflects the trade deadline's high stakes and narrow margins.
- •Knies trade deal was submitted one minute late.
- •Habs were to send Zharovsky and two first-round picks.
- •Hughes acknowledged the trade's close proximity to completion.
- •Future negotiations between teams may now be more uncertain.
- •The incident underscores the importance of timing in trade discussions.
- 4:59 PMYahoo Sports — The truth behind the Deadline disaster that killed monster Matthew Knies trade
"This terrible blunder may have erased one of the biggest deals in recent NHL history.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 11:23 PMNew York Rangers’ $5.5 Million Defenseman Emerges As Trade Candidate
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 7:13 PMSharks surprise Macklin Celebrini with another honor after $94 million contract
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 12:45 PMDaily Bean: Bruins Lose; Last Preseason Gameday; Fantilli Signs; Sharks 10-Piece
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 11:55 AMPuck Drop Preview: 2026-27 Washington Capitals
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 2:14 AMToronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
NHL•Sep 24, 2026, 11:22 PMOttawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens
