Sabres Have Key to Unlock Maple Leafs and Knies Blockbuster Trade

Speculation is beginning to build around a potential hockey trade involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres, with Matthew Knies and Bowen Byram emerging as possible centerpieces.

The Maple Leafs have quietly explored the idea of moving Knies dating back to at least the 2026 trade deadline. At that time, a deal with the Montreal Canadiens was reportedly close but ultimately fell apart before the deadline passed. Now, despite changes in the front office, the organization appears open to listening on trade offers, even if they aren’t actively shopping the forward.

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Why? Because he can fetch a huge return, holds no trade protection, and he’s on a team-friendly deal that 20 or more teams around the NHL would find attractive.

According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, new leadership — including John Chayka and Mats Sundin — is still willing to entertain a trade on Knies. The belief is that the 22-year-old winger could command multiple pieces in return that would help Toronto reshape its roster while remaining competitive. They also believe Knies could get them a difference-maker at another position.

That’s where Bowen Byram comes in.

In Buffalo, questions have surfaced about Byram’s long-term fit with the Sabres. He wants an opportunity to play and prove he’s a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL. He won’t get that look in Buffalo where the team has Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. If the organization decides to move Byram before risking him going to free agency, the Maple Leafs could be a logical trade partner. Toronto has been reshaping its blue line. They’ve added Darren Raddysh as a right shot and could move Morgan Rielly in a separate trade. They picked up Emil Andrae, but they could use a young, high-upside defenseman capable of playing significant minutes.

The Sabres were among the teams that showed interest in Knies at the deadline, though no deal materialized at the time. Expected to lose Alex Tuch in free agency, Buffalo would like to find a replacement at forward.

A one-for-one or expanded package involving Knies and Byram could address needs for both clubs — Toronto adding defensive talent, and Buffalo acquiring a power forward with top-six potential.

While no deal appears imminent, the framework of a Knies-for-Byram swap is one to watch as the offseason unfolds and the NHL Draft approaches next week.

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