Oilers Trade Proposal Lands Matthew Knies: Would You Do It?

The Edmonton Oilers need a long-term successor for Zach Hyman, and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies represents almost the perfect candidate. Acquiring him, however, would require Edmonton to surrender one of its best young players.

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A potential proposal could look like this:

Edmonton Oilers receive:

• Matthew Knies

Toronto Maple Leafs receive:

• Matthew Savoie
• Kasperi Kapanen
• Josh Samanski
• 2028 first-round pick, top-10 protected

Knies Could Become Hyman’s Successor

Knies would provide Edmonton with a young, physical scoring winger who can retrieve pucks, win battles and establish position around the crease. He could immediately play beside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl while gradually assuming Hyman’s role in the top six.

His contract also adds considerable value. Knies is signed through 2030-31 at a $7.75 million cap hit, giving Edmonton cost certainty during several important contention years. Instead of spending significant assets on a rental, the Oilers would acquire a core player entering his prime.

The price reflects that value. Savoie would be the centerpiece and could become an inexpensive top-six forward for Toronto. Samanski would give the Maple Leafs another developing forward, while Kapanen would help Edmonton balance the immediate salary. The protected 2028 first-round pick supplies another premium asset.

Comparable Trades Establish a High Price

Recent trades illustrate why acquiring Knies would be expensive.

Boston acquired 24-year-old JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth for the 23rd selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional 2028 first-round pick. That established a price of two first-round picks for a young, controlled top-six winger.

The Washington Capitals paid Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin and the 16th-overall pick for Jordan Kyrou. That package closely resembles the proposed Knies return: a young NHL-calibre forward, an additional prospect and a first-round selection for an established winger under long-term control.

The Brandon Hagel trade provides the strongest stylistic comparison. Tampa Bay surrendered Taylor Raddysh, Boris Katchouk and two protected first-round picks to acquire Hagel and two fourth-round selections. The Lightning paid for Hagel’s age, physicality, affordability and potential—not simply his production at the time. That aggressive investment ultimately proved worthwhile.

Edmonton’s offer lands in a similar range. Savoie and the first-round pick are the two premium pieces, Samanski adds developmental value and Kapanen makes the cap mechanics more manageable.

Why Would Toronto Consider It?

Toronto would only consider moving Knies if management wanted to reshape its roster or replenish its collection of young assets. Knies is exactly the type of physical, playoff-suited player contenders normally retain, so Edmonton would need to make an overwhelming offer.

Savoie could potentially replace some of Knies’ offense at a lower cap hit, while Samanski and the first-round pick would strengthen Toronto’s future. Kapanen would likely be viewed primarily as a short-term contract rather than a major part of the return.

Is Knies Worth the Risk?

For Edmonton, the question is uncomfortable but straightforward: Is Savoie’s upside more valuable than acquiring a proven successor to Hyman?

Knies would make the Oilers better immediately and could remain in their top six for five seasons. The price would be painful, but comparable trades suggest it is also realistic.

If Edmonton believes Knies can become a consistent 30-goal power forward beside McDavid or Draisaitl, this is the type of blockbuster it should seriously consider.

Next: Patrik Laine Comes to the Maple Leafs, But Who Leaves?