Insider Reveals Maple Leafs-Canadiens Blockbuster Almost Happened

Rumors of a rare rivalry blockbuster surfaced after the NHL trade deadline, and Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos says Matthew Knies may have been right in the middle of it. 

According to Kypreos, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens held serious discussions about a potential deal that would have sent shockwaves through the league.

The speculation gained traction after Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes revealed his team came extremely close to completing a trade that would have had a big impact on the team.

Kypreos later suggested the mystery deal involved Toronto and that Knies’ name was circulating during those discussions.

Nick Kypreos Links Matthew Knies to Leafs–Canadiens Talks

Speaking about the rumored negotiations, Kypreos indicated that Knies was one of the few assets capable of bringing back a massive return for Toronto.

“There is a sense that the deal Kent Hughes was working on was with the Leafs,” Kypreos said. “There is a sense out there that perhaps there was something brewing around Matthew Knies… I can tell you his name was out there with multiple teams.”

“There is a sense that the deal [Kent Hughes] was working on was with the Leafs… I can tell you [Matthew Knies’] name was out there with multiple teams.”@RealKyper shares what he heard about a potential Leafs–Canadiens deal before the deadline with @jtbourne and @SamAMcKee. pic.twitter.com/q9zI1HGOWp

— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) March 9, 2026

The Canadiens have one of the NHL’s deepest prospect pools, which could have given them the type of high-end package Toronto would require to even consider moving the 23-year-old power forward. 

Despite the discussions, the Maple Leafs ultimately declined Montreal’s offer, and Knies remained in Toronto when the deadline passed.

Maple Leafs View Knies as a Core Piece

Knies has become one of the few consistent producers in a difficult season for Toronto. The young winger has produced 51 points in 61 games, including 16 goals and 35 assists, while also bringing a heavy physical presence with over 120 hits.

Although his name surfaced in rumors, Knies took the speculation in stride.

#LeafsForever forward Matthew Knies said it’s nice to get the distraction of the trade deadline behind the team and himself.

On his name popping up in chatter, he said: “I feel like just kind of with this market, everyone's kind of almost a target.”

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 9, 2026

“I was a little surprised but I didn’t really look into it too much,” he said. “With this market, everyone’s kind of almost a target. It’s a business.”

The Maple Leafs signed Knies to a six-year extension worth $7.75 million per season last summer, reinforcing the belief that he remains a major part of their long-term core.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images