The Chicago Blackhawks have shown signs of improvement the last couple of years, but it’s blatantly obvious that they need to make some moves this summer to try and reach that next level.
After all, the Blackhawks still finished just 29-39-14 this past season, good for last place in the Central Division by a wide margin. And while Connor Bedard is one of the NHL’s top young players, he can’t do it alone. He needs some help (other than just Tyler Bertuzzi).
As a result, Chicago is expected to pursue a trade for an established winger this offseason, and it certainly has the assets to make a deal happen. The Blackhawks only four picks over the first two rounds of the NHL Draft this summer, and they possess a hefty three first-rounders in 2027.
Not only that, but Chicago is teeming with young talent up and down its roster, and there is no way that all of those players will be able to get extended minutes on the team. The Blackhawks might as well start consolidating.
As for potential targets? Toronto Maple Leafs wing Matthew Knies has been tabbed as a candidate, but Tab Bamford of Bleacher Nation isn’t sure how palatable such a trade would be.
Chicago Blackhawks’ trade for Matthew Knies would be risky
Mar 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (23) skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Knies is unquestionably one of the top young talents in the league. This past season, he scored 23 goals and tallied 43 assists, and he is still just 23 years old. On top of that, he is under contract through 2031.
But for all of those reasons, Bamford is a bit concerned about the cost it would require to pry Knies away from the Maple Leafs.
“Get ready to have some uncomfortable thoughts about the package that might be asked for if Knies does become available, because Toronto has every right to ask for a lot — and a new general manager will undoubtedly want to show he knows what he’s doing if a blockbuster trade opportunity arises this early in their tenure,” Bamford wrote.
And remember: the Blackhawks were nearing a deal to land Knies four years ago, as they almost sent Marc-Andre Fleury and Brandon Hagel to Toronto in exchange for Knies — who was not even a year removed from being drafted at the time — and first-round draft picks.
Clearly, Chicago likes Knies, so it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see the club target him again.
But would the Blackhawks be willing to pay such an exorbitant price? We’ll see.
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