Photo credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
While the Leafs were reluctant to sell at the deadline, the revelation that five
specific teams–including Montreal and Chicago inquired about Matthew Knies confirms he is one of the most coveted trade chiips in the Atlantic Division.
A report from Elliotte Friedman in ’32 Thoughts’ says that the Toronto Maple Leafs fielded multiple calls on forwards Matthew Knies, with the 23-year-old winger a hot commodity on the trade block.
Friedman reported that multiple teams had expressed an interest in acquiring Knies, and while Toronto was reluctant to consider serious offers on him, the Leafs may have been serious about hearing teams out.
Teams that showed serious interest in Matthew Knies included Anaheim, Chicago, Montreal, New Jersey and Utah. Everyone has denied that the Canadiens went far down the road, but we’ll see. There were some teams who didn’t believe the Maple Leafs were serious about it, but now recognize the possibility.
The “Five-Team Hunt” reportedly confirms Knies is the league’s primary target to speed up contention windows
Matthew Knies is clearly a potential high value asset for teams looking to speed up their contention window, and add another talented youngster into their roster.
The list of callers is a ‘Who’s Who’ of the
NHL’s rising powers. These aren’t aging
contenders looking for their next step, but up-and-comers searching for a core piece.
Teams like Chicago and Montreal have two of the top young pillars in Connor Bedard and Ivan Demidov, with Utah and Anaheim having their share of young talents, and New Jersey a team needing an impact winger next to Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.
Chicago specifically could use a winger, and one right away. Most of their top options on the wings are prospects, and Knies would instantly be a top-liner on the Blackhawks, and potentially all five teams who showed interest in him.
For multiple teams, it shows that Knies is key to their blueprint for success, but Toronto has the same plans for Knies to be vital to their rebound.
While Toronto became unlikely sellers after a challenging season, next year is meant to be a rebound back into contention, and Knies will be called upon to play a large part.
Why the 2026 offseason reportedly centers on the front office’s “firm” stance on a Knies blockbuster
The Toronto Maple Leafs are holding firm on Matthew Knies, and regardless of the price, they seem wise to do so.
Knies has shown that he’s a clear top young talent, even in a subpar Leafs season still showing up with 18 goals, 39 assists, & 57 points in 66 games for Toronto.
The Leafs, if they were to change things up, would be focused on a new future with a new culture, but the young Knies would likely be a key part of that vision, rather than a casualty.
Knies has been one of the Leafs most physical and skilled players, and young. He’s shown the type of grit and energy that at times is lacking from the Leafs roster. Him moving would need to take a true haul of a rerurn.
The Leafs stance is clear on Matthew Knies. They’ll listen and consider, but without a true blockbuster return, Knies is key to their next era, rather than part of the cleaning of house.
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Five NHL teams reportedly inquired about Matthew Knies as the Maple Leafs’ winger hits peak trade value
Should the Leafs be considering trading Matthew Knies?