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Nick Kypreos says Maple Leafs were seeking two first-round picks, top prospect in any trade for Matthew Knies
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2026, 08:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 4, 2026, 00:52 EDT
The Toronto Maple Leafs created a buzz around the National Hockey League trade deadline when rumours started to swirl that the club was listening to offers on Matthew Knies.
The news caught many fans off guard, as the 23-year-old forward has progressed in each of his three full NHL seasons, seeing his point totals rise from 35 to 58 to now 60 as the former second-round draft pick’s game continues to evolve.
On July 1, 2025, the Maple Leafs signed Knies to a six-year, $46.5 million extension, paying the forward $7.75 annually until the competition of the 2029-30 season. The idea was that Knies would remain part of the core in Toronto that could help bring a Stanley Cup back to the city for the first time since 1967.
Speaking at the time of the extension to TSN’s panel during their free agent frenzy, Knies discussed the factors that led to him locking up long-term with the Maple Leafs.
“I love the staff there, love the players, we get treated phenomenally,” Knies said. “It’s just a great spot for me. I think we really have a winning culture, I really trust Brad Treliving and Craig Berube to create a great team and give us the best chance to win.”
Fast forward to March 2026, and Knies’ name was floated as the Maple Leafs found themselves as sellers in what can only be described as a disappointing season. With a barren prospect pool and minimal draft picks in the upcoming years, Knies may have given the Maple Leafs the best chance at restocking the cupboards.
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that former Maple Leafs general manager Treliving’s asking price for Knies was one of three options:
1: Two first-round draft picks and a high-end prospect
2: One first-round pick and two high-end prospects
3: Three high-end prospects
Due to the high price tag and the shock factor of the Maple Leafs actually considering to entertain the idea of moving Knies, the forward remained with the club following the deadline.
With Treliving out of Toronto and Berube’s future appearing to be murky at best, it remains to be seen what the next general manager will do with Knies. Knies has recorded 21 goals and 39 assists to this point in the season, good for third among all Maple Leafs skaters with 60 points.
Moving Knies could signal the Maple Leafs’ direction in the coming years, as moving a player of this magnitude would represent a step towards rebuilding as opposed to a retooling process. That said, both Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley and Maple Leafs forward William Nylander spoke out against a rebuild this week.
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