Insider Mentions Matthew Knies As A Potential Trade Piece For The Toronto Maple Leafs

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Tyler Ball
December 27, 2023 (5:27 PM)

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A new insider report has linked young star Matthew Knies to trade talks that would end his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Knies Could Be Made Available By The Maple Leafs In A Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs are nearing the NHL trade deadline with a lot of holes on the team. Their defensive corps is decimated by injuries, their goaltending has struggled beyond the injured Joseph Woll, and upfront, the free-agent signings are struggling to provide the team with depth.

All of these perceived weaknesses have led the fanbase, media, and the team themselves to explore the trade market. If the Maple Leafs are going to make a significant acquisition to their lineup they will need to part with a valuable piece. One report has indicated that the piece in question could be forward Matthew Knies.

Jonas Siegel of The Athletic mentions F Matthew Knies as a potential trade piece if the Maple Leafs were to move any players from their prospect pool and make a trade to bolster their roster for a playoff run.

Knies is the most common piece suggested by Siegel because he believes many of the other pieces in the prospect pool are untouchable.

He notes that Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten & Dennis Hildeby are likely untouchables and while Knies likely won't be moved, he will be someone many GM's would ask for in return.

Knies has had a good but not outstanding rookie season with the Maple Leafs. With his current talent and development curve he might be the odd man out.

Would A Knies Trade Come Back To Bite The Maple Leafs?

The Maple Leafs are in a win-now mode. After having some playoff success last season the team feels they are closer than ever to making a serious Stanley Cup run. Teams in contention for the Stanley Cup often trade their top prospect for a significant piece. However, that prospect is not often already on the roster at age 21.

If the Maple Leafs are to trade Knies they would need a big fish back from the trade market. Even then if the Maple Leafs trade away a cost-controlled player who has top-line upside the trade could look lopsided for years to come.

If the Maple Leafs truly believe they are just a piece away from a championship this is a move they should consider. Trading a prospect who is less NHL-ready could be a better move for a team up against the salary cap and looking to compete for the next few years.

The coming weeks and months leading into the trade deadline will be interesting. If rumors surrounding Knies increase it could be an indication the team is looking to make major upgrades.