The Canadiens truly got Matthew Knies. The moment Toronto spoke Michael Hage’s name, it perished.
On Friday’s Morning Show with McKenna and Starr, Darren Dreger verified the entire event, providing sourcing for a rumor that had been circulating since the deadline.
“Yes, there were discussions with the Habs about Matthew Knies,” Dreger stated. Was it near the finish line? “No, it did not.”
The reason follows: “From Montreal’s perspective, Michael Hage would have been a member of that, but it wasn’t going to happen.”
So that’s it. Kent Hughes was so determined to get the power winger that he spoke up. He was not desperate enough to give up the opportunity that everyone continues to demand.
Dreger’s full remarks are worth hearing because the “wasn’t going to happen” conclusion makes it evident that Montreal never changed their mind.
In the Larkin discussions, Kent Hughes takes the same stance.
Take note of the pattern that is emerging here. This week, Pierre McGuire declared that if Dylan Larkin were traded, Hage would be needed. We now discover Toronto’s Knies. start in the same place.
same price tag, two different stars, two different teams. Hughes continues to reject paying Hage as the league has determined it is the price for anything Montreal wishes.
It’s easy to see why the Leafs inquired. Knies is 23, just produced 66 points, and plays the heavy north-south game Montreal has hunted all year, from the Ristolainen pursuit on down.
A young power forward who scores would have been the perfect complement to a skilled core that rolled to 106 points. The fit was never the question. The cost was.
Here’s where I’ll plant my flag: Hughes is right, and the league’s persistence proves it. When every GM demands the same prospect, that prospect is worth more than whatever they’re selling.
Teams don’t ask twice for ordinary pieces. They ask twice for cornerstones.
However, the opposite side also poses a risk. Windows built on 100-point seasons don’t stay open by themselves, and lists of “untouchables” have a tendency to age poorly.
Eventually, a player worth bending the rule for appears. The week was spent debating among Montreal supporters as to whether Larkin was that player.
Once upon a time, Hughes provided his response. Whether he repeats it or not will be determined this summer.
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