In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Montreal Canadiens were quietly working on a significant trade before the deadline, and GM Kent Hughes suggests the team will revisit it during the summer. Meanwhile, there is criticism of Kris Letang in Pittsburgh, and one insider says the team would trade him if they could. Uncertainty continues to surround the Toronto Maple Leafs’ core, and the New Jersey Devils insist they weren’t actively shopping Dougie Hamilton.
Just because the trade deadline has come and gone, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot going on behind the scenes.
Canadiens Nearly Pulled Off Major Deadline Deal
The Montreal Canadiens didn’t make any headline-grabbing moves at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, but it appears they were closer than many realized. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, general manager Kent Hughes was heavily involved in negotiations on what he described as “a significant deal.”
Related: Red Wings Send a Message With Deadline Acquisitions
Hughes revealed the Canadiens spent considerable time working on one particular trade that came down to the final moments before the deadline, but ultimately fell apart. However, he hinted the story may not be over, suggesting the team could revisit the same discussions in the offseason.
Montreal’s reported focus was on acquiring a top-line forward to complement the team’s young core led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Several notable names surfaced in speculation, but the most interesting was Matthew Knies, whom Elliotte Friedman said he had theories about but couldn’t confirm.
The Canadiens were also reportedly close to acquiring a right-shot defenseman with term left on his contract before the opposing team backed out. Montreal explored the possibility of moving Patrik Laine and his sizable cap hit, while goaltender Samuel Montembeault was also mentioned in trade discussions.
Letang’s Play Becoming a Major Topic in Pittsburgh
Veteran defenseman Kris Letang has long been a cornerstone for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but his play this season is drawing growing criticism.
A recent social media post by Josh Yohe delivered a blunt assessment of Letang’s performance, suggesting the 38-year-old is struggling to adapt as age catches up with him. Because Letang’s contract is a 35-plus contract, it means a buyout isn’t an option, and the remaining money owed makes retirement unlikely.
Yohe wrote, “You aren’t going to trade him because nobody wants him or that contract. Dubas would trade him in a heartbeat if he could, I have very little doubt.”
Even if management wanted to move him, finding a trade partner would be extremely difficult.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating unfamiliar territory as they battle through a disappointing season that could end their long playoff streak. For star winger William Nylander, the situation has clearly been frustrating.
Speaking with reporters recently, Nylander said:
“I mean hard to really stay optimistic in this situation, but yeah, just try to get a win tonight… Yeah, I mean, I sure hope that that’s the case for sure, otherwise… yeah…”
The 29-year-old stopped short of saying he wouldn’t stick around for a rebuild, but he hinted that continued losing could raise serious questions about the team’s direction.
Nylander remains highly productive, recording 59 points in 47 games this season and sitting in the second year of his eight-year, $92 million contract. However, with so many questions in Toronto about the team, and recent speculation that they even looked at trading Matthew Knies, it’s clear that anything could happen this summer.
This comes just 24 hours after another report mentioned the Leafs would sit down with Auston Matthews and discuss his future.
Devils Say Hamilton Wasn’t Actively Being Shopped
Trade rumors surrounding Dougie Hamilton surfaced repeatedly before the deadline, but the New Jersey Devils insist they were not actively trying to move the veteran blueliner.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald acknowledged that other teams called to inquire about Hamilton but said the Devils never placed him on the market. Hamilton’s play has rebounded significantly. The 32-year-old has collected 17 points over his last 20 games, helping quiet some of the speculation about his future with the team.
