The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing for nothing more than good draft-lottery positioning as they approach the end of the regular season.
On top of that, the franchise’s future is mired with deep uncertainty involving both the roster and the front office as the Leafs embark on the search for a new general manager and, likely, a new coach once the new GM is hired.
The 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday officially eliminated Toronto from playoff contention, ending a nine-year postseason streak.
The result came just days after the dismissal of general manager Brad Treliving, leaving the organization in transition as the Leafs’ brass evaluates what to do next.
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) puck juggles before an NHL game.James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
(James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)
On Friday, attention shifted to possible roster changes, with Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos bringing back the trade discussions involving Matthew Knies at this season’s deadline.
According to Kypreos, Knies’ name indeed was active in trade conversations at the deadline and will be on the table in the future, even with the winger considered one of Toronto’s productive young forwards.
“Matthew Knies had been discussed in potential trades between the Toronto Maple Leafs and other teams leading up to March 6, but even now that GM Brad Treliving is gone, the forward’s name continues to be bantered among the league long past the trade deadline,” Kypreos wrote.
More interestingly for the interested parties, Kypreos detailed the asking price Toronto—led by Treliving then—set in those trade talks.
“One NHL team source told me the Maple Leafs’ ask, under Treliving, was one of three options: 1. Two first-round picks and a high-end prospect. 2. One first-round pick and two high-end prospects. 3. Three high-end prospects.”
Added Kypreos: “Toronto caught teams off guard with the idea (of making Knies available), and some were unprepared to make a deal of that magnitude up against the deadline.”
Knies, 23, has scored 21 goals and 60 points in 73 games so far this season, continuing a steady progression across his first three full NHL campaigns.
The winter, who can be used on both sides of the rink, is under contract through the 2029-30 season with a $7.75 million cap hit, making him a cost-controlled, young, productive asset.
Related: Hayley Wickenheiser Linked to Maple Leafs GM Job
Related: Max Domi Fires Back at Question About Maple Leafs’ ‘Team Culture’
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.