Stunning Report Says Leafs & Canadiens Had Matthew Knies Deal Done At Deadline

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies

Trade rumors are building towards a real boiling point in the NHL as we get closer to the Draft in three weeks. But this one is a real doozy: Insider David Pagnotta reports today that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens actually had a deal done for Matthew Knies at the trade deadline — but just couldn't get it submitted in time.

Whoa.

According to sources, the Canadiens approached the Leafs late in the day on deadline day about the move, which Toronto accepted, but the Leafs were unable to get the trade filed ahead of the 3 pm ET deadline.

Pagnotta then goes on to name the Montreal package that was coming back to Toronto, and it included Alexander Zharovsky, another top prospect and two first-round draft picks.

Zharovsky was the 34th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft by Montreal, and played in the KHL this season, winning Rookie of the Year honors.

We've heard Habs GM Kent Hughes speak a few times about a 'significant move' that he had in the works at the deadline that didn't get done. But he indicated that he would revisit it in the summer.

Of course, that March deal would have been struck with former Leafs GM Brad Treliving, who is no longer with the organization. Whether the new front office team of John Chayka and Mats Sundin would be interested in such a trade is unknown.

A 6'3", 232-pound power forward, Knies notched 23 goals with a career-high 66 points for the Leafs this season while handing out 152 hits.