Trade Value Bombshell: Chayka Talks About Matthew Knies’ Future as a Maple Leaf

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be a busy team this offseason, and with a new front office led by John Chayka and Mats Sundin, there will be no shortage of speculation surrounding the roster. With the Maple Leafs missing the postseason for the first time in a decade, many can expect major changes heading the organization’s way.

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One player who has been the subject of trade rumors is Matthew Knies. Heading into the trade deadline last season, Knies was being targeted by teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens, as former general manager Brad Treliving reportedly was listening to offers on the young forward. Knies should become a player in the Maple Leafs lineup that is untouchable, who will remain a key part of the Maple Leafs’ future, adding a mix of skill, physicality, and skating ability that is extremely difficult to come by.

John Chayka Understands Matthew Knies ‘ Importance

John Chayka appears to understand exactly what the Maple Leafs have in Knies. In a recent article by Luke Fox of Sportsnet, Chayka spoke about the importance Knies currently plays for the Maple Leafs, as well as in the future.

“Knies is a really unique player. I think his blend of size and skating and skill is really, really hard to find. I’m not aware of what happened at the deadline or what previous regimes thought. I think Mats and I are going to go through and evaluate the roster and make some decisions.” John Chayka said to Luke Fox.

Chris Johnston of TSN reported that several teams made pitches, with one team offering up six pieces in a possible Knies deal. “I had someone say to me who works for an NHL team, if we were trading right now, we’d give up more for Matthew Knies than for Auston Matthews,” said Johnston.

John Chayka Has Done Evaluations on the Maple Leafs

Since taking over as general manager, Chayka has understood the importance of evaluating which players fit into the organization’s long-term vision. Knies can play in the top six, contribute on the power play, win puck battles, and continue to develop into a cornerstone winger. For a team looking to get younger and more dynamic, Knies represents the kind of player they need more of.

Unless another team is willing to send a package the Maple Leafs front office can’t say no to, then Maple Leafs fans will have the privilege of having Knies part of the organization for the long-term. Under Chayka and Sundin, he should be viewed as a foundational piece of the next era in Toronto.

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