Matthew Knies: Trade Rumors Are Dieing Down in Toronto

Jonathan Di Gregorio
Matthew Knies: Trade Rumors Are Dieing Down in Toronto
Credit: Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images

To say the least, the Maple Leafs have had an eventful summer: several changes in management and behind the bench, the selection of Gavin McKenna, and several major free-agent signings.

With these personnel changes, the Toronto team hopes to regain its competitiveness as early as next season and make the playoffs after a difficult season.

However, after missing the postseason for the first time in 10 years, questions and rumors about the future of certain players in the City of Kings have begun to circulate.

And we're talking about big names like Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, and Matthew Knies, who came very close to being traded to the Canadiens at the trade deadline.

Even after John Chayka took over as the Leafs' GM, the forward's name continued to be linked to Montreal—as well as to the Rangers, who reportedly tried to acquire Knies but found the price tag too high.

One might wonder whether Chayka's asking price for his player has increased compared to that of the former GM, or whether New York—which undoubtedly wants to keep its first-round picks—simply wasn't willing to pay the price.

If the asking price has gone up since the trade deadline, that could explain why Kent Hughes was unable to reach an agreement with the Leafs' GM to finalize the deal that fell through this spring.

At this point, it seems increasingly likely that Knies will start next season in Toronto.

According to Vincent Z. Mercogliano, who discussed the Rangers' situation—and their potential interest in Patrik Laine—in an article for The Athletic, talks regarding the 23-year-old forward have reportedly cooled off recently.

Does this mark a change of course for the Leafs, who have decided that Knies is part of their plans for the team's future?

It's very possible.

However, if the Leafs were to have another difficult season, the situation could change quickly if the club were to go into sell mode next season.


In a Nutshell

– What a matchup tomorrow.

– What a competitor!

– We're turning an important page.

– The new reality of the NHL.

– His name is often linked to the Penguins.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!