An Insane Near-Trade Between the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs Has Been Revealed
As more and more details emerge from the Dubas era in Toronto in the days following his firing, we've learned some key details about his relationship with Brendan Shanahan. It turns out, the two were butting heads more often than fans thought, but this one deal that was turned down is on both of them, as they viewed the risk to be too great.
Shanahan Shot Down Monster Deal
As Toronto was gearing up for a playoff push last season, a massive deal was discussed between them and Toronto. Toronto was seeking some firepower up front, and security in the crease, and Chicago was ready to tear it all down and go full-on rebuild mode. The trade would've gone as follows:
This certainly would've changed things today, as Hagel would've been an RFA that summer, and under team control. As for Fleury, who knows how he would've performed? Hagel ended up getting traded to Tampa in another massive deal, and Fleury to the Wild.
Trade Didn't Get Too Far
According to well-respected insider Darren Dreger, the trade never got far enough to where Fleury was asked to waive his no-movement clause, and Toronto didn't feel comfortable committing to giving up so many future assets.
"Here's a trade that didn't happen. Chicago and Toronto discussed Hagel and Fleury, with the Leafs, for Mrazek, Matthew Knies, and first-round picks. It never reached a stage where Fleury was officially asked to waive. Toronto declined based on the future contracts involved."
- Darren Dreger
- Darren Dreger
Had this trade gone through, we'd likely see a much different Leafs team today. Perhaps the presence of Fleury prevents Toronto from acquiring either one of Samsonov or Murray and Hagel adds some much-needed firepower in the playoffs for Toronto.
We'll never know the outcome of this trade, but it's fun to speculate!
As Seen on Markerzone
| POLL | ||
Should Toronto Have Said Yes to this deal? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 58.5 % |
| No | 39 | 41.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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