Report: Matthew Knies Talks 'Intensifying', Two New Teams Linked

Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka said recently that a Matthew Knies trade would be "not probable", and that it would be "a tough bar to hurdle.” It appears, right now, that two rival teams are trying their hardest to hurdle that bar.

Word of discussions with Buffalo and the 4th overall pick.

San Jose also said to be of interest here as well.

Montreal remains interested, but hard to compete with the above teams. https://t.co/OAwk8WMzg1

— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) June 24, 2026

According to insider Marco D'Amico, the San Jose Sharks are interested, though no clear suggestion of them offering the 2nd overall pick was made in this report. But there have been discussions with Buffalo on the 4th overall pick, writes D'Amico. 

Overall, he says Knies "looks very much in play."

The Sabres & Sharks have been active this past week (as have the Leafs). San Jose has already sent out top-six forward William Eklund for the 9th pick. And Buffalo has shocked the hockey world with a blockbuster of their own, dealing Bowen Byram to Chicago for the No. 4 pick. Can the Sabres essentially turn Byram into Knies? 

We do know that the Leafs are extremely active right now on the trade market, with some of their defenseman also on the block. 

Knies was nearly traded to the Montreal Canadiens at the deadline, but that fell through at the last minute. 

We'll be keeping an eye on Knies.