Maple Leafs GM Shuts Down Matthew Knies Trade Rumors
Matthew Knies was almost traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, but new general manager John Chayka made one thing very clear at media day yesterday, the Knies trade talks were something Brad Treliving was a part of, and Chayka has no interest in carrying on the conversation.
“On any type of trade speculation, I think I was pretty direct on Matthew Knies in my opening press conference,” Chayka said. “The statement still stands. In my job as GM, we will evaluate everything, but that is the job. Again, the idea that we are going to improve the roster by moving a top young player, I mean, anything is possible, but I guess it is not probable. I think it makes for good writing and interest for people, but as we think about our team and how we can improve, that is a tough bar to hurdle.”
Trade talks blew up this summer surrounding Knies, after someone leaked the fact Treliving almost traded the 23-year-old power forward to the Montreal Canadiens for a package full of prospects and draft picks. It was a move that would have stunned Leafs Nation, and a trade that would have likely pushed Auston Matthews out the door. What a difference a couple of months make after Chayka and Mats Sundin have made significant changes, and more specifically, upgrades to the Leafs' lineup.
Knies is coming off a career season in assists, and points, and is expected to start this season on the Leafs' top line with Matthews and Jack Roslovic. The Leafs are expected to have a huge bounce back season, and Knies is going to play a major part in it, as he'll average close to 20 minutes a night, and will see time on both the power play and penalty kill.
John Chayka comments on trade rumours surrounding Matthew Knies and mentions "work in the previous management group." pic.twitter.com/mfrdWQ9330
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 16, 2026
The former second-round pick is signed through the 2031 season at $7.7 million AAV, and good news Leafs Nation, won't be traded to the rival Canadiens anytime soon. Knies also commented on the trade rumors, and admitted, he certainly heard them for the first time in Toronto. “I try not to look into it too much,” Knies said. “Obviously, I’m not blind to it, I see it every now and then with my buddies sending it to me and stuff, but yeah, I guess all of that stuff, it’s cliche to say but it’s really out of my control. I didn’t have any say as to what was going on, so I’m fortunate that I’m still here and that I’m apart of this group because I love these guys. I’m just happy that I’m still wearing the blue in white and have the chance to play here for the Leafs in the next season.”