Montreal Canadiens Could Break Rivalry Taboo on Trade Deadline Deal With Toronto Maple Leafs To Acquire Some Depth Pieces
Times of India
by GLOBAL SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
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The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, two of hockey’s most bitter rivals, could make headlines by breaking their long-standing taboo against trading with each other. This potential deal comes amid a competitive push for both teams ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. While these clubs have only completed three trades since 2000, the current circumstances—Montreal’s playoff chase and Toronto’s struggling season—might create an opportunity for a quiet but strategic move. The Canadiens are looking to bolster their young core without sacrificing long-term assets, while the Maple Leafs face critical decisions as they try to recover from a disappointing season.
For Toronto, the stakes are high. With a nine-point deficit in their division and key players like Calle Järnkrok and Scott Laughton set to become unrestricted free agents, selling off depth could be a practical move. These pending UFAs offer playoff经验 and versatility, making them attractive to contenders like Montreal. The Canadiens, sitting second in the Atlantic Division with 72 points, are focused on adding tested depth without disrupting their future plans. A trade for one or two veteran players could provide the necessary boost while maintaining their long-term vision.
Historically, trades between these rivals have been rare and often controversial. Past deals, such as Toronto acquiring Doug Gilmour in 2003 or Montreal sending Tomas Plekanec in 2018, highlight the delicacy of negotiating with a bitter rival. However, the current context—pending free agents and playoff windows—might align both teams’ interests. For Montreal, adding experienced players like Järnkrok or Laughton could shore up their lineup without overextending their resources. For Toronto, recouping mid-round picks or prospects for players they might lose anyway could be a savvy move.
This potential deal matters because it could reshape the dynamics of both teams’ playoff runs. While the trade deadline is often about big moves, a quiet
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026