As we start to cool off from the expected non-frenzy that was this year’s trade deadline, as we did with Marc Bergevin’s trade deadline track record, let’s take a look at history from another angle.
As you know, rumors are sometimes a whisper an employee heard from the horse’s mouth, or it’s conjured out of thin air and is picked up as actual facts. Just ask the couple of ”insiders” that created those awkward rumors that controversial defenceman Tony DeAngelo was poised to sign a contract with Montreal as an example, even though DeAngleo refused the Rangers’ offer to terminate his contract and will subsequently be bought out in the off-season.
Sometimes however, rumors become facts. More often than not it’s a trade that failed or a free agent that refused to sign. Digging these facts up is a lot more fun than hearing the made up rumors that we hear all too often in order to generate more TV ratings and website clicks.
Over the years some former higher ups, including general managers, have admitted to trades almost happening. Serge Savard has been extremely generous in the last few years giving radio interviews and being totally honest about trades he almost made.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 trades the Canadiens almost made in their history.