NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Rejected Canadiens Trade Offer

The Montreal Canadiens tried hard to add a top-six left winger and there's been reports flying around about Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies. Turns out, Knies wasn't the only left winger the Habs tried to acquire, as reports have surfaced stating the Canadiens and New York Rangers engaged in trade talks leading up to March's deadline.

Frank Seravalli: Re Canadiens: I wonder about Alexis Lafreniere; if this was truly a thing, what was whispered was, a pick, a prospect and Patrik Laine in exchange for Alexis Lafreniere; I think that was something that was talked about - Frankly Hockey (6/4)

Lafreniere, 24, is signed through the 2032 season at $7.4 million AAV, and doesn't own any trade protection until July 2027, when his eight-team no-trade clause kicks in. The former number-one overall pick hasn't quite lived up to expectations in the Big Apple, but he's been a very serviceable forward, who if in the right situation, could flourish and tap into his untapped potential.

Lafreniere recorded 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points last season, dressing in all 82 games. In the last five years combined, he's only missed four games total, so the durability is certainly something the Habs are interested in.

According to reports, the Canadiens were dangling former second-round pick Alexander Zharovsky, a Russian winger who is lighting it up overseas. The Canadiens also made two first-round picks available and another prospect in the deal.

For now, Lafreniere stays in New York, but don't be surprised to see Vincent Trocheck moved, along with Lafreniere, as Chris Drury looks to retool, and essentially, rebuild on the fly.