Big stars are leading all our top NHL stories for Thursday—but for very different reasons—as trade rumours, injuries, and on-ice action all take centre stage. The Montreal Canadiens were especially busy behind the scenes at the trade deadline, and according to Elliotte Friedman, they explored moving forward Patrik Laine to the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
Speaking of the 2016 NHL Draft, the first overall pick, Auston Matthews, changed plans and underwent successful surgery for a grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion, and will be out long-term. Jack Hughes has stirred up some controversy this week over his 2026 golden goal puck and who it belongs to.
2016 Top Picks Almost Join Forces
The Montreal Canadiens held the fort at this year’s trade deadline and did not make any moves, but that was not for lack of trying, says Elliotte Friedman. The Habs were very active behind the scenes with many major moves being in play this March. One of those that came to light yesterday is Canadiens forward Patrik Laine being involved in a potential major deal with the Flyers or Maple Leafs.
The Habs did a great job at hiding their true intentions until after the deadline, with many of these reports not coming out until weeks following the hectic day. It was noted that the potential return for the former first-round pick could have been a defenceman from one of the teams. But there were also reports that this would be part of a play to move money as part of a broader strategy. Perhaps this was a one-time conversation, or maybe we will see a big splash come offseason; only time will tell.
Maple Leafs and Flyers Talked Big Trade for Canadiens Star
Matthews Injury Has a Change In Plans
After Auston Matthews went down with a grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion following a dirty hit from Radko Gudas. Initial reports said he would avoid surgery, and being hit by Gudas could have done much more damage, so the Leafs’ superstar was lucky in that sense.
But a week after the plan for the Leafs Superstars’ recovery, the plan has changed, with Matthews undergoing successful surgery yesterday, per the team. His recovery time was listed as 12 weeks in the team’s statement, which was not much changed from his original return timetable. Matthews is putting up a career-low 53 points and entering the third year of a four-year, $53 million extension. Following this downward injury-ridden season, the star forward’s time with the Maple Leafs might also come into question at some point soon. But the forward has stayed the course in his desire to play for the blue and white, as we all know, the NHL is unpredictable.
Change of Plans: Auston Matthews Has Surgery, Out Long-Term
Whose Puck Really Is It?
Jack Hughes has been in the news a lot this year for off-ice reasons, whether it is dating pop stars or hurting himself at a team dinner, the Devils’ star has had a strange year. This week’s controversy is no different, with Hughes starting a beef with the Hockey Hall of Fame, of all things.
Following the Olympics, Team USA’s men’s golden goal scorer made a statement that he thought it was unfair for the Hall of Fame to get the puck and that it was his puck to own. He wanted to get it back to give to his dad, which is a noble cause. He also felt that he and the women’s OT hero, Megan Keller, should decide what happened to “their” pucks. But now the big question comes into play: Who really owns the puck? Barring any philosophical and less direct answers, the HHOF put it best:
“Unfortunately, in the easiest words, it was never Jack’s puck to own,” Philip Pritchard, vice president of the resource center and curator for the Hockey Hall of Fame. This raises many questions about why Hughes shouldn’t be allowed to decide what happens to the puck. This could also be a learning experience for the player and perhaps the fans, that maybe no one is wrong in this situation.
What Do Hockey Players Really Owe the Game? Who’s Puck?
More Stories:
Jack Hughes Walks Back Demand for Gold Medal Goal Puck
Matthew Tkachuk Butters Up the Oilers Ahead of Matchup in Edmonton
Why Are the Canadiens Better Than Anyone Expected?
Did Treliving and Berube Paint Themselves Out of Work?
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