To call this a pivotal offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs would be putting it mildly. After missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, the organization is undergoing major changes from top to bottom.
With Brad Treliving out and John Chayka taking over, the Leafs have several big decisions to make before the 2026-27 season begins. One of the biggest could involve whether to move Matthew Knies in a blockbuster trade for a $69.6M star.
Maple Leafs Urged To Consider Cashing In on Matthew Knies
At the center of the speculation is Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who reportedly requested a trade after years of playoff frustration in Detroit. The 29-year-old center still has five years remaining on his eight-year, $69.6 million contract, making him one of the biggest names potentially available this offseason.
That naturally puts Toronto in the conversation.
The Athletic’s Leafs insider Jonas Siegel suggested that while the Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick would likely be off the table, Knies could be the type of centerpiece that interests Detroit. As a young power forward with five years left on his own deal, Knies would represent a valuable asset for a Red Wings team still searching for a way out of its lengthy playoff drought.
“Would it be a good idea for the Leafs to swap Knies, a budding winger with all kinds of potential, for someone who is six years older but fills a position of urgent need? The answer is probably yes, given Larkin’s age and fit, and the Leafs’ determination to contend again next season and convince Matthews to stick around. But it’s not a slam dunk given Knies’ star-level upside,” Siegel said.
At the same time, Siegel noted that Knies could also be Toronto’s best trade chip if Chayka decides to pursue a true No. 1 defenseman instead. That may ultimately force the Leafs to choose between upgrading their forward group with Larkin or addressing their biggest need on the blue line.
“Then again, the Leafs GM could sign the best free agent defenceman available, whether it’s Rasmus Andersson or Darren Raddysh, and add Larkin, perhaps, via a trade for Knies,” Siegel added.
As intriguing as the idea sounds, completing a deal for Larkin would be far from simple.
The Red Wings captain holds a full no-trade clause, giving him significant control over where he ends up. Reports have indicated that Larkin’s preferred destinations are limited to three teams (Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights), with the veteran center reportedly focused on joining an established contender rather than another team trying to find its footing.
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Still, if Chayka somehow manages to land Larkin before the NHL Draft, a core featuring Matthews, William Nylander, Larkin, and top prospect Gavin McKenna would immediately put Toronto back among the league’s most talked-about teams heading into next season.
