The Montreal Canadiens nearly pulled off one of the most surprising moves of the season when they came within moments of acquiring Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. The deal was reportedly in place, but timing issues prevented it from becoming official and sent both teams in different directions.
As the offseason unfolds, questions continue to surface about whether Montreal can revisit those talks. Recent comments from a Canadiens insider, however, suggest the path to Knies may now be much steeper than it was a few months ago.
Marco D’Amico Sees Major Obstacles to Any New Canadiens-Matthew Knies Trade Talks
Canadiens insider Marco D’Amico recently provided additional insight into the failed trade and why a second attempt appears unlikely under the same conditions. Posting on X, D’Amico stated that he had heard around the trade deadline that the deal had been agreed upon, but the filing reached the league office less than a minute after the cutoff.
While the deadline mishap has already become part of the story, D’Amico’s latest comments focused on a bigger issue for Montreal. According to him, the Canadiens may no longer have a competitive offer compared to what other teams can bring to the table.
“As for the Canadiens being able to circle back… I think there are teams that can beat a reported package of Zharovsky, D prospect (likely Engstrom or Pickford), and two 1sts,” D’Amico wrote. He also questioned whether Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka would even entertain serious trade discussions.
D’Amico later expanded on that thought, writing, “I think that IF Chayka trades Knies, it will be for a bigger package from a more aggressive team.”
These comments strike at the heart of why Montreal’s original proposal may no longer be relevant, despite reportedly being accepted before the deadline.
The biggest difference is the change in leadership in Toronto. The original framework was negotiated under former general manager Brad Treliving. Since then, John Chayka has taken over and appears focused on building a competitive roster around Auston Matthews rather than collecting long-term assets.
This shift creates a challenge for Montreal because its reported package was built largely around future value. According to reports, the Canadiens were prepared to send top prospect Alexander Zharovsky, another defensive prospect, and 2 first-round picks to Toronto. While that package carried upside, it does not provide the immediate NHL help Toronto may now prioritize.
The timing of the failed deal may have also worked against Montreal in another way. Since the deadline, Knies has further strengthened his value across the league.
The 23-year-old battled through a knee injury suffered early in the season and still posted career-high production (66 points), reinforcing his status as one of the NHL’s most promising young power forwards.
His strong play while managing an injury has changed how rival teams view his ceiling. Instead of being seen strictly as a talented young winger, Knies is increasingly viewed as a potential cornerstone piece capable of contributing in every situation.
Toronto also holds significant leverage because of Knies’ contract situation. He is entering the second year of a six-year, $46.5 million contract carrying a $7.75 million cap hit, and he does not have trade protection until the final season of the deal. This allows Chayka to explore the market without any pressure to move him quickly.
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For Montreal, that means the package that nearly completed the trade before the deadline may now serve only as a starting point.
With other teams capable of offering NHL-ready talent and more aggressive proposals, the Canadiens could find themselves facing a much tougher bidding environment if they attempt to revisit discussions this summer.
