Matthew Knies on the Move? Continued Trade Talks Must Be Frustrating – The Hockey Writers –

On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenceman Emil Andrae, goaltender Samuel Ersson, and a third-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for goaltender Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit. It was a trade that sort of came out of nowhere, but it was deal that filled holes for both teams.

During the trade talks, it’s being reported that teams called about Matthew Knies.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports, “Yesterday, I was told teams are doing their due diligence on Woll and Knies. The fact that the Woll trade materialized so quickly is a bit of a surprise to some. Philadelphia emerged as the best option for Woll in the last few days.”

Where Did The Knies Talk Come From?

That Knies’ name was somewhat subtly thrown in there is a bit of a surprise. Many believed the past trade rumors had died when the organization made a change in management.

It’s not as though this is the first time his name has come up in trade chatter; he was discussed at this season’s trade deadline. Ultimately, he wasn’t moved. However, with John Chayka and Mats Sundin now running the show in Toronto, the belief was that maybe the Maple Leafs had put aside any thought of trading Knies. Maybe they have.

Still, the fact that teams are calling shows there is interest.

It’s logical that teams would want to know what’s up. Knies has huge upside, a team-friendly, long-term contract, and he’s the kind of power forward almost every NHL club is looking for. Whether it was the Flyers who asked wasn’t made clear. And whether Toronto will continue to entertain trade discussions is also a question worth pondering.

Frankly, why would they not?

Will the Speculation Bother Knies?

There’s still some buzz out there about maybe Knies’ name being on the trade market. Brad Treliving threw his name out there and he was talked about last season as a possible trade piece going to the Montreal Canadiens. The deal fell through.

Once again, he’s being talked about this season. The trade talk doesn’t seem to be simmering down, which has to be a bit concerning for the forward.

Because he has no trade protection, he’s got cost certainty, and he’s got tremendous upside, his name remains out there. Jeff O’Neill suggested on TSN OverDrive that it won’t be long until Knies wants a sit-down with the Leafs and asks what’s going on? He may ask, ‘Am I wanted here?’ “It would bother me as a player,” said O’Neill.

In the meantime, the Maple Leafs may keep listening to what teams have to offer. They’re not about to give Knies away, but he’s not untouchable. John Chayka’s job as the new general manager is to listen, and there is something there that will help improve the team; he has to take it seriously, even if Knies doesn’t like that he’s uncertain about his future.

Jamie McLennan said, “It’s not like he’s actively out there shopping, but every general manager takes call on everything.” To hear that GMs are calling Toronto, saying they’ve heard rumblings and want to know where things stand, is normal business. It then becomes up to the Maple Leafs to either say Knies isn’t available and hang up the phone, or see what’s being tossed out there as a possible return.

If it’s the right offer, Knies absolutely could be traded.