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Maple Leafs Keep Matthew Knies Available but Say a Trade Is Unlikely

Chayka’s pledge to “evaluate everything” leaves Knies’ market open while Toronto insists it would need a big asset haul to justify moving him.

Overview

  • General manager John Chayka told reporters the club will “evaluate everything,” saying trading Matthew Knies is possible but not probable.
  • Knies is a 23‑year‑old power forward coming off a 66‑point season and is entering year two of a $7.75 million deal with no trade protections.
  • Knies has been a frequent trade target since the March deadline and a previously collapsed deal keeps his name active in the rumor mill.
  • Toronto’s front office recently added defenseman Darren Raddysh and still holds significant salary‑cap space, giving the team flexibility to keep Knies or trade him for a large return.
  • Analysts say the Leafs would only move Knies for a substantial haul to rebuild a thin prospect and draft pool, and they note drafting a high-end winger could change positional need without making a trade obvious.