Matthew Knies’ trade rumors begin to grow amidst disappointing 2025-26 campaign (Image via Getty Images) It’s been a renewed focus on Matthew Knies and his role with the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason. The club hasn’t said a deal is imminent, but rival teams are monitoring the situation.Knies is checking boxes for both contenders and rebuilding teams, and interest is rising. He’s young, physical and productive, and Toronto’s leverage remains strong given the contract situation and high price tag for any such deal.
Toronto Maple Leafs weigh future of Matthew Knies amid NHL trade interest
With trade chatter swirling around the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still considering all options when it comes to Matthew Knies.Chicago Blackhawks looking for young scoring talent to speed up rebuild Knies is a big-bodied winger with top-six upside and a game that could develop well with a young core.Previous reports had suggested that Toronto would only move him for a haul which is why Chicago have been wary. The asking price looks to be big draft capital and a top prospect.CategoryDetailsPlayerMatthew KniesCurrent TeamToronto Maple LeafsPositionLeft Wing / ForwardShootsLeftHeight6 ft 3 in (191 cm)NationalityAmericanBirthplacePhoenix, ArizonaAgeBorn on October 17, 2002Draft InformationSelected 57th overall in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by TorontoCollege TeamUniversity of Minnesota Golden GophersDevelopment PathRose from college hockey into a full-time role with the Toronto Maple LeafsContract StatusLong-term contract valued at roughly $46 millionMain Concern for TorontoThe Maple Leafs must balance keeping Knies with managing future salary-cap pressureTrade Market RiskHigh, several teams are reportedly monitoring Toronto’s asking priceTeams Linked to InterestChicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, and Dallas StarsWhy Rival Teams Are InterestedKnies offers size, scoring upside, and long-term top-six potentialPlaying StylePhysical power forward with net-front presence and strong puck protectionPositional FlexibilityPrimarily a left winger but can fit in multiple forward rolesMajor NHL ValueYoung, controllable scorer with room to grow into a bigger offensive rolePotential Outcome for TorontoToronto could keep Knies or demand a major return if it decides to move himLeague-Wide ImpactHis situation could shape how teams approach young star trade talks this offseason
Why are the Chicago Blackhawks monitoring the situation
Knies has developed into one of the most intriguing young forwards in Toronto with his size, skating and ability to generate offense around the net.A player like Knies could help a team like the Columbus Blue Jackets accelerate a rebuild while offering a long-term scoring option with a physical edge to the roster.
What makes Matthew Knies valuable to NHL teams
Toronto has the leverage because they don’t have to make a deal in a hurry. The Maple Leafs can afford to wait for an offer that hits their price tag, while still holding onto a player they believe can be part of their future.As the offseason unfolds and teams re-assess their roster needs, the market may heat up even more with more teams getting involved.