Toronto Maple Leafs

When Fit, Value, and Reality Collide in an NHL Trade Debate

Bukala’s Werenski-Knies trade idea is intriguing, but the Maple Leafs would need far more than Knies alone to make Columbus consider it.

by
Old Prof
June 26, 2026

On the FAN Hockey Show, NHL insider Jason Bukala talked through a made-for-TV trade idea. Could the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets get together for a Matthew Knies-for-Zach Werenski type of swap? And, if they did, then what would Toronto have to add to make it happen?

It Would Take More than Knies to Get Werenski.

The conversation started by saying that, if you’re thinking “Knies for Werenski straight up,” you’re probably not even in the right ballpark. Werenski is a legit No. 1-level defenceman who eats heavy minutes. As Bukala frames it, Columbus wouldn’t just give that away without getting something that clearly matches the value. He also brings up that Columbus would have to feel like the deal makes sense long-term, especially because Werenski is the kind of player you build around. The result is that the Maple Leafs would need more than just Knies alone.

Then he goes into the Maple Leafs side of it. Bukala says Toronto fans have to look at what their team already has, how they’re built, and why pairing another impact defender with their power-play pieces would be the whole point. He compares the “fit” on a power play by saying that, if Toronto could add a dynamic top-pair defenseman like Werenski, you can imagine a scary man-advantage setup. Werenski would bring elite puck-moving ability, stability, and consistent power-play quarterbacking.

Zach Werenski trade rumors — Zach Werenski trade consideration.

Most Teams Would Never Have the Chance to Have Two High-End Blueliners

Bukala even shares his thoughts about the power-play fantasy a bit. He shares that “if you’ve got your top power-play pieces, adding Werenski changes what that unit can look like.” He brings up the idea that most teams don’t really get the chance to have multiple high-end defensemen doing major power-play work. So, in theory, it could give the Maple Leafs another gear.

And the big takeaway is: it’s not impossible as a concept, but it’s a steep ask. Bukala’s vibe is that Toronto would probably need to offer more than just Knies. That could be extra assets, other prospects, or more roster pieces. If they didn’t, the simple reality is that Columbus wouldn’t say yes to a lopsided deal.

Still, Given All the Issues, the Maple Leafs Could Go for It

He wraps it up with the “hypothetical spinning” energy. Could the group imagine it? Yes, but would the Jackets actually do it? Probably only if Toronto offered a package that makes Columbus feel like they’re winning, not just trading value.