As the NHL offseason approaches and the calendar shifts deeper into June, trade speculation around the league is beginning to intensify. With the draft and free agency period drawing closer, conversations that were once shelved during the trade deadline are now being revisited fueling fresh “silly season” chatter across the hockey world.
One of the most intriguing storylines involves the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens, with renewed reports suggesting the two franchises may have previously explored a major deal that never reached completion at the trade deadline.
Rangers and Canadiens Previously Discussed Major Deadline Deal
According to veteran NHL insider Bruce Garrioch, there is growing belief around league circles that the Rangers and Canadiens engaged in serious trade discussions ahead of the March deadline. While the deal ultimately fell apart before the 3 p.m. cutoff, it is reportedly not considered permanently dead.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes acknowledged that Montreal had a “significant” trade collapse at the deadline, noting that failed negotiations do not necessarily prevent future discussions. As he explained, depending on the other team’s willingness, conversations can always be reopened and revisited later in the offseason.
The speculation suggests that Montreal’s front office, including Hughes and executive Jeff Gorton, may have been working on a framework involving a notable Rangers player center Vincent Trocheck. Trocheck has been identified as a strong fit for the Canadiens’ need at second-line center due to his experience, defensive reliability, and relatively team-friendly contract value at $5.625 million annually through 2028–29.
However, even insiders admit there is no confirmed clarity on whether Trocheck was definitively the centerpiece of those talks, leaving the details of the rumored deal partially speculative.
Contract Complications and Fit Concerns
One of the major hurdles believed to have prevented a deal from materializing is Trocheck’s contract structure, including his no-trade protection. In addition to contractual limitations, there are also personal considerations, as Trocheck has reportedly expressed a preference to remain closer to family on the East Coast while also prioritizing a strong Stanley Cup contention opportunity.
While Montreal is geographically not far from his current situation, crossing into Canada and adjusting to a new market may have complicated his willingness to approve a move. As a result, some league observers believe alternative destinations—such as Minnesota—could ultimately make more sense if a trade scenario develops.
Alexis Lafrenière Rumors Considered Unlikely
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Adding further intrigue to the speculation is the occasional mention of Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière. Some reports have floated the idea that Montreal could attempt to expand negotiations to include the former No. 1 overall pick.
However, most analysts view that scenario as extremely unrealistic. Lafrenière has shown strong recent development, finishing the season with an impressive scoring surge and emerging as a key long-term piece in New York’s core. His improved production and contract status make him a highly valuable asset the Rangers are not expected to move unless a truly elite return is offered.
On Montreal’s side, there is also little indication the Canadiens would part with a comparable young cornerstone as they continue building their roster for the future.
What the Situation Really Means
While the idea of a Rangers Canadiens blockbuster is generating buzz, most signs point to this being more exploratory than imminent. The most realistic takeaway is that discussions likely occurred around Trocheck, but logistical issues, contractual clauses, and differing team priorities prevented any agreement from being finalized.
That said, the fact that conversations reportedly happened at all suggests both franchises are willing to explore bold moves if the right opportunity arises.
For now, New York appears comfortable building around its emerging core, while Montreal continues its patient rebuild. But as the offseason unfolds, the possibility of revisiting earlier discussions remains on the table keeping this rumor firmly in the spotlight.
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