Matthew Knies on a potential trade: “I’m not sure if it will be considered this summer”

For the past week, Matthew Knies has been a hot topic in Montreal. There's been buzz that the Habs tried to acquire him at the last trade deadline… though not everyone agrees on that either. And of course, the Canadiens' management can't publicly confirm or deny any of this. That said, we recall that Kent Hughes, when he spoke about his mystery trade (which didn't go through), mentioned that it might be revisited this summer. Except that… According to David Pagnotta, who doesn't believe Knies was the player the Habs were targeting, there was a chance Knies could have been traded last week. That said, it doesn't mean it will definitely be considered this summer. And Pagnotta “isn't convinced” that it will be.

David Pagnotta: Re Matthew Knies rumors: There was speculation all week that Toronto was listening. I'm told “there was a chance,” at one point, that he could've been moved. I'm not convinced that's explored again this summer – Fourth Period (3/9) — NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 13, 2026

So one might wonder, assuming he was the player the Habs were targeting, whether Kent Hughes missed his chance to acquire him. Because, in reality, we don't even know if the Leafs' GM, Brad Treliving, will still be in his position by then.
His hypothetical successor might not necessarily want to trade Knies… and maybe Treliving won't want to reconsider all of this either, you know. It's not impossible, in fact, that a trade could happen after all. That said, what Pagnotta is saying is that just because Knies' name has been floating around this week doesn't mean it will necessarily be on the market this summer. Things have time to change between now and then, basically. And with the mess going on in Toronto right now, who knows what's going to happen with the Leafs over the next few months… In Brief– Speaking of the Leafs.

Which direction do the Maple Leafs need to take in 2026-27? pic.twitter.com/WDqJMB3CYL
— BarDown (@BarDown) March 13, 2026 – I like that.

He knows what it's like to lose to the Americans. https://t.co/aYlWUEIaZp
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) March 13, 2026
– It continues to be the talk of the town.

Should Gallagher be benched for a game? pic.twitter.com/dPtVL1Kvi4 — BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) March 13, 2026 – Interesting.

David Pagnotta: Re Rasmus Ristolainen/Flyers: I think there was one team willing to give up a first-round pick but it came with some conditions – DFO Rundown (3/11)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 13, 2026
— A name to watch.

Sergei Murashov leads all AHL rookie goalies with a .922 save percentage, a 20-6-3 record, and 3 shutouts with @WBSPenguins. 2022 4th-round pick. #LetsGoPens
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 13, 2026
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