Overview
- Sources say Toronto and Montreal had a hand‑shake agreement before the March 6, 2026 trade deadline but the paperwork was never accepted by the league.
- The reported return would have sent prospect Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect and two first‑round picks to Toronto for Matthew Knies.
- Accounts differ on why the transaction failed because of timing: David Pagnotta described unspecified “complications” while Elliotte Friedman reported the trade was filed at 3:01 p.m., one minute past the cutoff.
- Matthew Knies is a 23‑year‑old top‑six power winger under contract through 2030–31 at a reported $7.75 million AAV who posted 66 points in 79 games in 2025–26 but finished with a minus‑30 defensive rating.
- The agreement was reached under former GM Brad Treliving and, with John Chayka now running the Leafs, insiders say Toronto is unlikely to accept the identical package though Montreal and other teams may continue to pursue Knies.