Insider: Matthew Knies Trade Will Remain in Play This Summer

Trade buzz around Matthew Knies is starting to get real. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on Thursday night that Knies’ name was starting to surface in chatter, though a haul would be required for a deal to happen. Soon after, both Nick Kypreos and Frank Seravalli added him to their respective updated trade target boards.

---

While it remains rather unlikely that Knies will be on the move before Friday’s 3 p.m. EST deadline, Kypreos doesn’t believe that means he’s safe moving forward. He mentioned that GM Brad Treliving — as long as he remains in charge — is eager to shake up his team, and that Knies will remain a name to watch this summer.

Kypreos wrote:

“There’s nothing to indicate William Nylander or Auston Matthews aren’t safe, but Matthew Knies doesn’t have any trade protection in his contract until 2030-31. If Treliving can turn him into a couple of blue chip pieces, that would include something on the blue line, I think he’d consider it. I don’t think Knies’ name is going to go away even if he’s not moved by Friday’s deadline. This could be revisited in the summer if Treliving is still the GM.

If the Leafs get a big move done on Friday, Matthew Knies is probably the player we’ll be talking about. With Brad Treliving looking to inject some excitement into his team, change the direction and shake it up, Knies is the player who doesn’t have any trade protection and could possibly bring back a notable return. If he’s not moved on Friday, this is a situation we’ll be talking about into the summer too. Toronto needs a shake up and Knies could help them achieve that,”

The 23-year-old Knies is in year one of the six-year, $46.5 million extension signed with the Maple Leafs this summer, which, as Kypreos noted, surprisingly doesn’t include any trade protection until 2030-31. He’s had an underwhelming yet still productive season, with 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) tallied through 60 games played so far.

In a time where no-movement clauses are seemingly handed out to every player, it’s quite interesting that Knies, a budding young star, was signed to a long-term deal with almost no protection.

This undoubtedly works in Treliving’s favor, giving him the flexibility not to rush into any deal. As a result, this offseason could, in fact, be when trade discussions become the most serious, once salary cap situations are clearer and more teams are able to enter the sweepstakes.

Next: Maple Leafs Insider Hints at Auston Matthews’ Looming Decision