Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Matthew Knies to Division Rival

The Toronto Maple Leafs are fielding trade calls for Matthew Knies, with a deal potentially happening before or during the NHL Draft.

What's the latest on Matthew Knies?

Matthew Knies was nearly dealt to the Montreal Canadiens at the trade deadline, but the trade came in a minute too late.

The Maple Leafs want a top-10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which the Senators now have after acquiring the ninth-overall pick from the Panthers.

Why are the Senators interested in Matthew Knies?

Ottawa Senators analyst Nestor Quixtan of FanSided urged the Senators to pursue a trade for Matthew Knies to replace Brady Tkachuk.

The Senators have the ammo to make the trade happen, with the ninth and 25th overall picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.

What would the trade look like?

The Maple Leafs would likely ask for someone like Carter Yakemchuk and/or another piece, like a secondary scorer, in addition to the draft picks.

NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that NHL executives believe Matthew Knies will be traded, with the Maple Leafs doing their due diligence.

The Senators are expected to use the assets acquired in the trade with the Panthers to bolster their lineup, with a focus on top-six forwards.

What's next for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

If Matthew Knies gets dealt, it would send shockwaves through the NHL, with the Maple Leafs potentially recouping assets and getting better elsewhere.

The Maple Leafs have been listening to trade offers for Matthew Knies, despite him entering the second year of his six-year, $46.5 million deal.

The Senators may not even pick at ninth or 25th overall after acquiring the picks for Brady Tkachuk, with a potential trade for Matthew Knies on the horizon.