Maple Leafs Listening to Trade Offers on Matthew Knies

The Toronto Maple Leafs won't be moving the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but one shocking name has still surfaced in trade chatter. 

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the team has been quietly listening to offers for winger Matthew Knies as the NHL trade deadline approaches. 

However, Friedman made it clear this would only happen under one specific condition: a blockbuster proposal the Leafs simply cannot refuse.

Stuff we're hearing:https://t.co/bcDPbirS62

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 5, 2026

Elliotte Friedman reveals Maple Leafs testing Matthew Knies market

In a trade deadline update, Friedman noted that Toronto is focused on accumulating assets such as young players, prospects, and draft picks as it tries to work out its long-term direction. 

While players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares are not being considered for trades, Friedman says, Knies’ name has come up in discussions as the Maple Leafs gauge the market.

Matthew Knies could be available from Toronto, but it would take a massive offer that they can't turn down, per @FriedgeHNIC. pic.twitter.com/u3V35x4D3r

— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) March 5, 2026

“I heard some Matthew Knies, and that, to me, is the Maple Leafs seeing if there’s a massive offer they can’t turn down,” Friedman said. “That is the only way I see it happening.”

Maple Leafs weighing the value of Matthew Knies

The idea of moving Knies is surprising given the 23-year-old winger’s massive importance to Toronto’s lineup. 

After scoring 29 goals and 58 points last season alongside Matthews, Knies has taken on an even larger role this year, with Mitch Marner gone, and has produced 50 points in 59 games. 

His scoring production has dropped, as he has just 16 goals this season, but for a lot of teams, that kind of production from a young power forward would make him a core piece moving forward.

He earned a substantial 6-year, $46.5M contract ($7.75M AAV), following last season.

Elliotte Friedman: I heard some Matthew Knies, and that, to me, is the Maple Leafs seeing if there’s a massive offer they can’t turn down. That is the only way I see it happening - Sportsnet (3/5)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 5, 2026

Still, the Maple Leafs appear to be exploring every option as they retool their roster and gather future assets. 

If another team were to present an overwhelming package of prospects and draft picks, it sounds like Toronto could at least consider the possibility.

Again, the fact that Knies is not completely off the table is a very surprising update.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images