Overview
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Anaheim, Chicago, Montreal, New Jersey and Utah showed serious interest in Matthew Knies before the deadline, yet he remained with Toronto.
- Pierre LeBrun said the Canadiens contacted the Maple Leafs about Knies but talks did not get close, and GM Kent Hughes referenced a significant trade effort that could be revisited in the offseason without naming players.
- The Maple Leafs announced Auston Matthews underwent MCL surgery and is out for the season, while Michael Russo said Minnesota likely lacks the assets to acquire him even though Bill Guerin would explore it if he became available.
- Friedman noted a shallow free‑agent class and a rising cap are steering teams toward summer trades, which helped explain why the Rangers held Vincent Trocheck with an eye on better value after the season.
- Knies acknowledged playing through a knee issue he does not expect to worsen, and Toronto’s four signed NHL‑level goalies have prompted outside expectations of an offseason move, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.