Overview
- TSN’s Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger said Toronto never came close to moving Matthew Knies and was primarily listening to rival teams’ calls.
- Canadiens GM Kent Hughes confirmed his club worked on a significant deal before the deadline and indicated talks could be revisited in the offseason.
- Chicago has been flagged as a potential offseason bidder for Knies, with reports noting the Blackhawks’ sizable projected cap space and prior interest.
- Knies is signed through 2030-31 at roughly $7.8 million AAV with no trade protection early in the deal, boosting his value and the price to acquire him.
- Analysts emphasize Toronto views Knies as a long-term cornerstone, and any blockbuster notions — including McDavid-linked hypotheticals — remain speculative.