We’re more than a week removed from the NHL trade deadline, but that hasn’t stopped the chatter around Matthew Knies’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which at the very least appears to be in question heading into the offseason.
Knies’ name emerged in the rumor mill in the final days — really, hours — before the deadline, and while a trade didn’t come to fruition, reports suggest discussions involving the star winger could resume this summer, with major speculation surrounding the Montreal Canadiens as a potential landing spot. While they remain a serious suitor, insider Nick Kypreos recently brought up two other teams to watch for in the Knies sweepstakes: the Chicago Blackhawks and Utah Mammoth.
“Knies just might be the stalking horse to help the Leafs acquire the multiple assets they desperately need to help secure this team’s future. While nothing was consummated last week, there is a real possibility the conversations could pick up as early as the NHL draft in Buffalo in late June… In addition to the Canadiens, look for the Chicago Blackhawks and Utah Mammoth to be possible trade partners with their abundance of young talent — and it would cost an abundance to get Knies. The Leafs would be looking for three or four quality pieces, including multiple high-end prospects,”
The 23-year-old Knies is in year one of the six-year, $46.5 million extension he signed with Toronto this past summer, which notably carries no trade protection until a limited clause begins in 2030–31. A recent surge in production has Knies sitting at 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) through 64 games played this season.
Given how poorly things have gone this year in Toronto, rumors around Knies and the other core players potentially being on the move will likely remain loud until something actually happens, especially with Knies, since he has no say in the matter.
Kypreos referred to Chicago’s interest in Knies dating back to when Kyle Dubas was GM of the Maple Leafs, while also noting that Utah will continue to be aggressive and possess a plethora of intriguing top prospects, including Caleb Desnoyers, Tij Iginla, Maveric Lamoureux, and Daniil But. Both Western Conference teams make sense as landing spots for Knies as they look to take further steps in their respective rebuilds, though each is currently at a different stage of that process.
These certainly won’t be the last rumors we hear about a potential Knies trade and possible suitors, so buckle up for an offseason that could bring fireworks in Toronto.
Next: Maple Leafs Floating Knies Trade Meant to Solve Two Big Needs
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