Montreal Canadiens’ failed Predators trade finally explained, documentary exposes behind-the-scenes negotiations

The Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators nearly shook up the NHL landscape at the Trade Deadline, as revealed in the second episode of The Rebuild: Inside the Montreal Canadiens.

While the specific player remains unnamed, the footage confirmed that Montreal GM Kent Hughes and Nashville GM Barry Trotz were engaged in meaningful discussions that could have changed the trajectory of both franchises.

Speculation swirls over which Predator Montreal targeted

The secrecy surrounding the deal has fueled intrigue across the league. Nashville Predators offloaded several veterans at the deadline, including Tommy Novak, Gustav Nyquist, Luke Schenn, and Mark Jankowski.

Any of them could have been the centerpiece of the talks with Montreal. The cameras caught Hughes and Trotz in conversation, but the exact target stayed off-record—leaving fans and analysts to speculate which player Montreal had in its sights.

The timing of these discussions makes the story even more fascinating. Nashville entered the season with big expectations after spending heavily on Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, and Brady Skjei.

On paper, the Predators looked like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Instead, their campaign unraveled, ending in embarrassment and a playoff miss that left Trotz scrambling to shed contracts and retool for the future.

Canadiens rising while Predators search for answers

Montreal, by contrast, has quietly rebuilt its foundation. Returning to the postseason for the first time since their miraculous 2021 Stanley Cup Final run, the Canadiens strengthened their blue line with the acquisition and signing of Noah Dobson.

The move signaled Hughes’ intent to position Montreal as a consistent playoff threat rather than a fleeting Cinderella story.Meanwhile, the Predators face uncomfortable questions. Why did a roster built for contention collapse so dramatically? Can they avoid a repeat disaster this season, or will management be forced into even bigger changes? Trotz, known for bold decisions, could face pressure to reshape the franchise again if results don’t improve.Right now, the two organizations appear headed in opposite directions. Montreal is trending upward, fueled by a mix of young talent and smart acquisitions, while Nashville continues to sift through the wreckage of a failed experiment. The mystery of the trade that almost was only adds another layer of intrigue to their diverging paths.Also Read: NHL’s latest eligibility rule change could fast-track Penguins prospect Ben Kindel into pro hockey next season