The Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs would have come very close to proceeding with a mega transaction involving goaltender Marc-André Fleury.
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According to TSN on Saturday, goalkeeper Petr Mrazek, prospect Matthew Knies and a first-round pick could have gone to Chicago in return for Fleury and forward Brandon Hagel.
Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas reportedly derailed talks because he didn’t want to sacrifice important elements of the team’s future for short-term reinforcements. Knies is considered one of Toronto’s best prospects and could play with the “Maple Leaves” this season.
A few days later, the “Hawks” finally sent Hagel and two fourth-round selections to the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for two conditional first-round picks and young forwards Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk.
The Leafs are having trouble between the posts this season due to the failures of Mrazek and the lack of consistency of Jack Campbell, who is also on the floor.