Matthew Knies has been one of the hottest names in NHL trade rumors this offseason.
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t actively trying to move the 23-year-old winger, but that hasn’t stopped teams from calling to see if he’s available.
Insider Reveals Other Team Pursuing Matthew Knies
The New York Rangers were among the teams strongly linked to Knies earlier this summer.
After breaking out with a career-high 66 points in 79 games, Knies has become one of the NHL’s most valuable young power forwards. His combination of size, scoring ability, and two-way play makes him an attractive target for any team looking to improve its top six.
Reports earlier in the offseason suggested the Rangers explored a deal involving Knies and veteran center Vincent Trocheck, but nothing materialized.
Now, NHL insider Jeremy Rutherford revealed that the St. Louis Blues also checked on Knies, but quickly discovered Toronto wasn’t making things easy. “Matthews Knies is another player I’m sure the Blues checked on, but the asking price sounds pretty exorbitant,” he said.
The Blues’ interest makes plenty of sense. St. Louis struggled to score consistently last season, finishing 23rd overall in league scoring. Adding a young top-six winger like Knies would have addressed one of the team’s biggest needs.
Knies is also signed to a long-term contract carrying a $7.75 million cap hit, making him an even more valuable asset for a team trying to build around a younger core.
Why No Deal Happened
The biggest obstacle wasn’t a lack of interest; it was Toronto’s asking price.
Reports around the NHL Draft suggested the Maple Leafs wanted a massive return before even considering moving Knies. Teams were reportedly asked for a top-five draft pick along with one of their best young players. Other rumored packages included multiple first-round picks or several elite prospects.
In other words, Toronto set the price high enough that only an overwhelming offer would make them think about trading him.
That’s why interest from the Rangers, Blues, and other clubs never turned into a serious deal.
The Maple Leafs have little reason to move Knies. He is entering the prime of his career, is signed to a team-friendly long-term contract, and is expected to play a major role alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and top prospect Gavin McKenna.
By putting such a steep price tag on Knies, Toronto has made its position clear. Rival teams may continue to inquire, but unless someone is willing to pay well above market value, the young winger isn’t going anywhere.
