Proposal: Blackhawks Linked To Maple Leafs In A Potential Blockbuster Trade

 

Matthews Knies was selected 57th overall in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He made his debut on Apr. 10th, 2023, against the Florida Panthers. 

The Maple Leafs still had a competitive roster built by general manager Kyle Dubas, then, and defeated the Panthers 2-1. 

Knies wouldn't contribute to the scoresheet, but played 18 shifts and 13:09 time on ice. Three years later, and he's developed into a two-way, top-six forward who scored 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games on the Maple Leafs top-line. 

With the Maple Leafs out of the playoffs and a shakeup in the front office happening, could we end up seeing a fire sale in the organization? 

If so, NHL Insider David Pagnotta believes that GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks could circle around and inquire about the availability of Knies. 

David Pagnotta: It's been reported a bunch that Chicago is hot for Matthew Knies; I wouldn't be shocked if they circle back with Toronto - Off The Roster (5/5)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 7, 2026

What Would A Trade For Matthew Knies Look Like?

Chicago is one team that has enough assets and more to accommodate a trade of this caliber. You'd think of what kind of return Knies would command, it'd have to be one top prospect, a 1st-round pick, and a roster player. 

BlackhawkUp believes the package would require more assets to get it done. 

F, Frank Nazar, F, Nick Lardis, RHD, Sam Rinzel, first round pick

Maybe Kyle Davidson could convince Brad Treliving to take Wyatt Kaiser instead of Frank Nazar to bolster the slow, old defense core of the Maple Leafs, but this looks like the package the Maple Leafs are asking for Knies. Yes, the Blackhawks have the assets to pull off a move like this, but is it worth it?

In which case, the Blackhawks would have to decide whether mortgaging the future on one player alone would solve a majority of their problems.

Either way, it'll be exciting to see what happens to Matthew Knies once trades begin to fluctuate again in the postseason. 

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