Matthew Knies nearly landed with Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens, with Montreal reportedly ready to pay a major futures-based price.
New details have surfaced about just how aggressive the Canadiens were in their pursuit of Knies before the winger eventually left Toronto for Columbus.
NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed that Toronto's previous management group had agreed to the framework of a deal built heavily around future assets.
"The trade with Montreal that the previous regime agreed to, that was futures driven; a 1st, two top notch prospects...and whatever else."
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The proposed return reportedly included a 1st-round pick, 2 high-end prospects and more pieces going from Montreal to the Maple Leafs.
One of those prospects was Alexander Zharovsky, giving a much clearer picture of the type of young talent Kent Hughes was willing to move.
That's a serious package for Montreal, especially considering how carefully Hughes has managed the Canadiens' prospect pool and premium draft capital.
The deal never crossed the finish line. According to the report, Toronto submitted the trade 1 minute after the deadline, leaving Montreal without Knies.
Canadiens were ready to make a major move
That detail changes the way Montreal's pursuit should be viewed. This wasn't simply Hughes checking the price on a young top-six winger and walking away when Toronto asked for too much.
The Canadiens were prepared to move a 1st-round pick and multiple premium prospects to get Knies into St-Louis' lineup. That points to a clear willingness to spend big for the right player.
Knies has since landed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Toronto went in another direction by acquiring Kirill Marchenko in the deal that sent the winger out of town.
For Montreal, the missed trade still offers a window into the front office's thinking. Hughes was willing to sacrifice future assets for a player capable of helping the Canadiens immediately.
Zharovsky remaining in the organization also carries extra weight now. Montreal came close to moving one of its notable young pieces before the deadline stopped the transaction.
The Canadiens didn't get Knies, but the reported offer sends a message around the league: when Hughes identifies the right top-six target, Montreal is prepared to put premium assets on the table.
Should the Canadiens have traded a 1st-round pick and 2 top prospects for Matthew Knies?
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