The respected insider Darren Dreger had some interesting details to share about a potentially blockbuster trade that was cancelled at the last second.
It's understood that the proposed trade deal was approved by both general managers. However, an influential figure from the Maple Leafs put a stop to it all.
That trade would have changed the face of the Maple Leafs considerably.
Toronto officially declined because of their salary cap situation. But with all the recent rumors that things weren't so smooth between Dubas and Brendan Shanahan, fans can't help but wonder his involvment into this.
"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
In the end, Hagel joined the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Taylor Raddysh, Boris Katchouk, and a first-round pick in 2024.
Fleury, as we are aware, was traded to the Minnesota Wild for a 2022 second-round pick.
Finally, Mrazek did make his way to Chicago, along with a 2022 first-round pick, in return for a second-round pick.