Matthew Knies Case: “I don’t think Michael Hage was in on it”

Mathis Therrien
Matthew Knies Case: “I don’t think Michael Hage was in on it”
Credit: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

The story that generated the most buzz after the trade deadline was, of course, the mysterious trade involving the Montreal Canadiens.

We know that the Habs had a trade in the works, but it ultimately fell through, and it will surely be revisited this summer.

For a long time, it was thought that this mystery player was forward Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but several sources have denied this rumor.

However, even though the fire has largely been extinguished, the most reputable source in the entire hockey world, Elliotte Friedman, continues to believe that this deal actually existed.

In fact, Friedman remains convinced that the trade that didn't happen between Montreal and Toronto involved Matthew Knies.

He adds, however, that despite the Maple Leafs' owner's comments, Michael Hage was not part of the deal for Matthew Knies.

Friedman, who made these remarks in a recent episode of his podcast 32 Thoughts, believes the Maple Leafs likely asked for Hage in return, but that the Habs never included him in the trade.

It's clear, then, that Kent Hughes and the Habs hold Hage in very high regard and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep him, even if an opportunity like acquiring a player such as Matthew Knies arises.

In my opinion, the fact that Hage was never part of this potential trade speaks volumes about the internal value placed on the 20-year-old center.

The Habs want to keep Hage and develop him in Montreal so he can become a cornerstone of the team's future.

As for the Knies situation now, hearing Friedman talk about it as a deal that actually existed and could have gone through is very interesting.

Friedman is often right, as he is very well-informed throughout the NHL.

It remains to be seen whether this trade will be revisited this summer, despite the fact that the Maple Leafs have fired their general manager, Brad Treliving, who was in office at the trade deadline.


In Brief

– Note regarding the Senators.

– Good news for the Blue Jackets.

– Stay tuned.

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