The Chicago Blackhawks could make a major splash in the trade market this summer. As of now, Chicago’s biggest offseason priority is to tie down superstar Connor Bedard to a contract extension. The dynamic forward is set to become a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. Nevertheless, he is widely expected to remain with the Blackhawks in a lucrative long-term deal.
Bedard, however, will likely want some assurances from the organization that they will give him some help moving forward. The Blackhawks are currently bottom of the Central Division once again. Despite Bedard’s stellar play, Chicago remains one of the lowest-scoring NHL offenses. In fact, their 2.64 goals per game average on the campaign ranks sixth-lowest in the league.
Although the club does have some firepower waiting in the wings, particularly Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov, they could use an NHL-ready star to partner Bedard. One interesting candidate could be Toronto Maple Leafs standout Matthew Knies. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently revealed that the Leafs were willing to listen to offers on their budding star ahead of the March 6 deadline.
While a trade never materialized, Nick Kypreos believed that the Montreal Canadiens were working on acquiring Knies. In his latest column, Kypreos claims that Toronto could once again field offers for the forward in the summer. Potentially triggering a bidding war would help the struggling Leafs rebuild their roster. According to the reporter, the Blackhawks are a team to watch in the situation.
Chicago Blackhawks Previously Attempted to Acquire Matthew Knies
GettyThe Toronto Maple Leafs could be open to trading Matthew Knies this summer.
It is safe to say that Toronto would need to be blown away to sanction a deal involving Knies. After all, the 23-year-old winger is regarded as one of the team’s key players. He is also yet to hit his prime and will likely only get better. At the moment, Knies has racked up 51 points in 62 games this season with the struggling Leafs.
According to Kypreos, Chicago previously discussed acquiring Knies in the past, and the club still has an eye on the star. “Chicago’s interest comes as no surprise,” writes Kypreos. “Former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas had talked with the Blackhawks about a trade that would have sent Knies, goaltender Petr Mrázek, and a first-round pick for forward Brandon Hagel and veteran goalie Marc-André Fleury a few years ago.”
“Hagel ended up being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but many are suggesting the Blackhawks’ interest in Knies hasn’t wavered.”
Chicago has Draft Picks, Prospects to Strike Deal
Along with Chicago and Montreal, the Utah Mammoth are also expected to target Knies. Nevertheless, the list of potential suitors would certainly not end there. While the Blackhawks may not want to get involved in an intense bidding war for the player, they could have a key advantage in the situation.
According to PuckPedia.com, Chicago currently has over $43 million in projected cap space for the 2026-27 season. The Blackhawks could easily handle Knies’ $7.75 million AAV contract and still have room to make other moves. Toronto would also likely prefer to deal with Chicago rather than Montreal due to the Canadian rivalry.
On top of this, the Blackhawks have one of the best prospect pools in the entire NHL. Toronto is only looking to move Knies if they receive a massive package in return. If the Blackhawks truly want him, they could put together a very attractive offer for the Leafs.
Blackhawks Expected to Reignite Trade Talks for Maple Leafs Star