Is There a Deal Toronto Shouldn’t Refuse for Matthew Knies? – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Reports suggest the Toronto Maple Leafs have gauged the market and listened to offers for Matthew Knies. To this point, they’ve likely turned down at least a couple of significant pitches, including a rumored package centered on a top-10 pick.

Understandably, it would take a lot for Toronto and GM John Chayka to move on. That doesn’t mean offers won’t be enticing or get the new manager to consider a deal. Given his cost-effective contract, lack of trade protection, and term, Toronto needs to wait for the right deal.

Is it out there?

Why Matthew Knies is Worth So Much

Even though he’s not yet a bona fide NHL star, there is a ton to like. Just 23, he’s a 6-foot-3 power forward who can score and hit. He’d fit in almost anywhere on any team, and he’s already proving he can be a consistent producer and play with elite talent.

Knies is exactly the type of player built for playoff hockey. He’s got gamer written all over him and the feeling is he’s only going to get better, even if he doesn’t ever become a 40-goal guy. The intangibles he offers make up for the 5-10 goals he might not bring.

Are There Trades The Maple Leafs Might Consider?

To be clear, these are just hypotheticals. There’s no link from any reputable insider suggesting a trade is close or that a deal involving Knies was imminent. But, the names below have been in the rumor mill, and in at least one case, there was a connection to the Maple Leafs.

Knies for Dylan Larkin?

Dylan Larkin formally requested a trade from Detroit, and while most speculation centers on Florida or Minnesota as landing spots, Toronto could theoretically make its own push. It’s not believed he’s got the Leafs on his short list, but Larkin would immediately give the team another true No. 1 center.

Given how the relationship between Larkin and Detroit has soured, getting Knies in return would be seen as a win for Steve Yzerman. Chayka might actually want more back as Toronto would be giving up a young, cost-controlled winger with term.

Knies for Zach Werenski?

Zach Werenski has been floated as a trade candidate, with insiders specifically speculating Toronto could offer Knies as part of a package. However, he’s changed his mind about a trade and wants to stay in Columbus, at least for now.

If that changes and Werenski is looking to leave again, he’d instantly upgrade Toronto’s blue line. Werenski has a no-movement clause, but it sounds like Toronto is a place he’d go to. The Leafs would have to include more than Knies in the deal. They’d also need to be sure that Werenski would be open to an extension. The downside here is what the Werenski extension would cost the team. It’s going to be high, much higher than what they’re paying for Knies.

Knies for Connor Hellebuyck?

Is it too late to trade for a starting goaltender? Given that the Maple Leafs just signed Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal in free agency, the answer is probably. However, if Hellebuyck were willing to go to Toronto and the Winnipeg Jets were ready to trade him, it would be a deal Chayka should consider.

Bobrovsky’s deal includes a full no-move, meaning the Maple Leafs would be investing $15.5 million in their goaltending, assuming they could move Anthony Stolarz. But, that tandem might be worth the investment. Many believe that Hellebuyck will be traded, eventually. Depending on how Bobrovsky performs to start the season, it will be fascinating to see if the Leafs start having goaltending conversations as the year progresses.