Trade chatter: Leafs still shopping, Canadiens missed on Marchenko, Red Wings quiet after Larkin’s list

Toronto Maple Leafs: still hunting for upgrades

• A top-four or top-pairing defenceman to stabilize minutes and matchup play.
• A short-term addition that costs future picks/prospects rather than established roster core pieces.

Montreal Canadiens: Marchenko pursuit came up short

• Montreal tried to structure a deal that would pay Marchenko less than his current Toronto-level contract expectations.
• Columbus declined offers that didn't include a prime-contract player like Knies.
• Attempts to use a third team to assemble the correct pieces were unsuccessful.

Detroit Red Wings: Larkin's list, Edvinsson talks, quiet market activity

Practical implications for each team

• Toronto could be an active buyer early in the season, especially if they identify a trade-ready defenceman to fit their price range.
• Montreal remains in search mode for a marquee addition and will likely continue to probe the market for moves that match Columbus's valuation demands.

Critical upcoming dates referenced in coverage

The story lists season dates of interest that frame roster decisions: Opening Night (Sept. 29), the start of all teams playing (Oct. 13), NHL Trade Deadline (Mar. 1), and other league-event dates through the following June. Those calendar markers create windows when teams are likelier to act.