The Montreal Canadiens have been the talk of the town since the trade deadline, and it's all about the deal that almost happened. GM Kent Hughes hinted at a potential blockbuster move that just didn't come to fruition, but he's keen on revisiting it this summer.
This has sparked a frenzy among hockey fans, with many speculating about the mystery player involved. One name that's been buzzing is Matthew Knies, suggesting some dialogue between the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, it seems the discussions didn't progress as far as some might think.
The plot thickened on Monday night when HFTV Sports, a popular Canadiens fan account, dropped another name into the mix: Nico Hischier.
Hischier, at 27, is currently in the sixth year of his seven-year, $50.75 million contract with the New Jersey Devils, and he's set to be eligible for a new deal come July 1. This season, he's had a bit of a dip by his standards, tallying 50 points with 23 goals and 27 assists over 67 games.
While there's no solid evidence pointing to Hischier being the target, he would certainly be a strategic fit for Montreal. As an elite second-line center, he could form a formidable duo with Nick Suzuki, aligning perfectly with the Canadiens' competitive timeline.
But why would the Devils part with their captain? This season hasn't gone as planned for New Jersey, and GM Tom Fitzgerald has been rumored to consider shaking up the team's core. Although Hischier is due for a raise, if the Devils aren't ready to meet his demands, a trade could be on the horizon this offseason.