Knies was almost a HAB?! + Kings & Leafs close to naming coaches | DFO Rundown Insider Edition
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of a seismic coaching change, with Dallas Eakins officially in the mix and Patrick Laviolette having already cleared the Islanders for interviews. But the real bombshell is the near-trade of Matthew Knies to the Montreal Canadiens — a deal that fell apart at the trade deadline but is now being revisited by new GM John Chayka. The package reportedly included Knies, a top prospect, and two first-round picks, a haul that would have reshaped both franchises. Meanwhile, the LA Kings are nearing a decision between Jay Woodcroft and DJ Smith, while the Oilers may be regretting their early coaching change, as former head coach Todd McLellan (referred to as Knobloch) is reportedly uninterested in new opportunities and sitting on a $9 million payout. The episode also highlights how organizational stability — like Nashville’s long-term hire of Chris McFarlane — is becoming a blueprint for success, with teams realizing that rebuilding requires patience and structural security, not just quick fixes. Behind the bench, the race is on before the draft, with coaches and front offices scrambling to lock in their futures before free agency and the draft begin.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens nearly completed a blockbuster trade for Matthew Knies, involving two first-round picks and a top prospect — a deal now being reconsidered under new Leafs GM John Chayka.
Dallas Eakins is officially a candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coaching job, joining Patrick Laviolette and others in a high-stakes search for a new bench boss.
The LA Kings are down to two finalists for their head coaching job: Jay Woodcroft and DJ Smith, with Woodcroft’s existing relationship with GM Ken Holland giving him an edge.
Edmonton Oilers’ former coach Todd McLellan (referred to as Knobloch) is sitting out the job market, collecting up to $9 million, making a quick replacement unlikely.
Nashville’s hiring of Chris McFarlane as president and GM with a long-term contract signals a shift toward organizational stability over short-term fixes.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Stanley Cup Final Kickoff & Betting Odds
The episode opens at the Stanley Cup Final with the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vegas Golden Knights, featuring a Bet365 ad that rewards bettors for a three-goal lead.
Toronto Maple Leafs Coaching Search Heats Up
“You mentioned Patrick Law. The Leafs got permission from the Islanders to speak to him. So that's already occurred.”
Edmonton Oilers' Coaching Regret & Knobloch's Exit
“Knobloch, by the way, not interested in a new job at the moment. He's going to sit at home and collect up to $9 million. So why not? Pretty good deal.”
LA Kings Coaching Decision Looms
The LA Kings are down to Jay Woodcroft and DJ Smith for their head coaching role, with Woodcroft’s past success and relationship with GM Ken Holland giving him an edge.
Montreal Canadiens & Toronto Leafs’ Near-Trade Revisited
“It was Matthew Nyes. They had an agreement in place between the Leafs and the Habs that would have sent Matthew Nyes to Montreal. Zarkovsky was going the other way along with another prospect and two first-round picks.”
“It was Matthew Nyes. They had an agreement in place between the Leafs and the Habs that would have sent Matthew Nyes to Montreal. Zarkovsky was going the other way along with another prospect and two first -round picks.”
“This is more than an exclusive hockey decision. This is the whole organization all encompassing that he's going to oversee.”
“So you give them that deal. You give them that security. You say, okay, you know what? Let's leave you alone now and let's just let you go to work.”
Host
toronto maple leafs
other
montreal canadiens
other
la kings
other
edmonton oilers
other
matthew knies
person
john chayka
person
jay woodcroft
person
chris mcfarlane
person
dj smith
person
dallas eakins
person
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