Overview
- The trade was never approved because paperwork was submitted after the NHL’s 3:00 p.m. ET trade‑deadline on March 6, so the transaction was voided.
- Insiders have since reported that Montreal’s offer would have included two first‑round picks plus prospects Alexander Zharovsky and Bryce Pickford, according to Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman.
- Coverage highlighted prospect production to explain the package’s value, noting Pickford’s 45 goals and 83 points in 55 WHL games and Zharovsky’s 16 goals and 42 points in 59 KHL games.
- Friedman and other insiders say Montreal is unlikely to revive the exact offer and responsibility for Knies’ roster status now falls to new Leafs GM John Chayka.
- The episode has fueled debate over asset valuation and Toronto’s direction because the failed trade was negotiated under former GM Brad Treliving and it altered post‑deadline roster and draft planning.