The Toronto Maple Leafs could make a stunning move.
Toronto is one of the main sellers ahead of the trade deadline, and the team is expected to trade away its pending free agents. The Maple Leafs already traded Nic Roy to the Colorado Avalanche, and the team got a big return for the centerman.
Ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that Toronto is listening to offers on Matthew Knies. But for Knies to be dealt, the Maple Leafs will need to be blown away by the offer.
“Toronto is all about adding assets. Young players, prospects, picks,” Friedman wrote. “You name it, they want to hear about it. There aren’t a ton in the system, so they want to accumulate. Then, they can start figuring out their future — maybe use what they get to chase bigger fish.
“The chances of Auston Matthews getting traded now are equal to John Blutarsky’s grade-point average. William Nylander and John Tavares aren’t going anywhere. I heard some Matthew Knies, and that, to me, is the Maple Leafs seeing if there’s a massive offer they can’t turn down. That is the only way I see it happening.”
Knies is in the first year of his six-year, $46.5 million deal with the Maple Leafs. However, the power forward hasn’t had a great season, and if the right offer comes up, Toronto is open to dealing him.
Knies has recorded 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points in 59 games this season.
Maple Leafs Sellers Ahead of Deadline
Toronto won the Atlantic Division last season and is now expected to be a seller ahead of the deadline.
It’s been a disappointing season for the Maple Leafs, and Knies admits all the trade rumors around the team aren’t good.
“It sucks. You know, those are great guys. And I played with Bobby for three years, and with O for two, and Laughty for one. You get to know those guys so well. So, it’s a crappy feeling not being able to suit up next to them and play with them,” Knies said.
“We’re not gonna hang our heads low and feel defeated. I think we’re still in it. Like, we still have a chance. So, keep believing in that. And, you know, hopefully it all works out. But it’s a crappy feeling that we put ourselves in this situation. But, again, it’s on the guys in this locker room to change course and get it back to where it was.”
The Maple Leafs are expected to trade the likes of Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and even possibly Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Toronto Wants to Win
The Maple Leafs haven’t won since before the Olympic break as the team continues to scratch trade assets.
Following Toronto’s shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, head coach Craig Berube said it’s frustrating for everyone involved.
“Things change as the day goes along,” Berube explained postgame. “It’s tough. We want to win games. And when you come to the rink, and there’s three important players that aren’t in the lineup, it’s going to impact the guys.”
Toronto is 27-24-11 and well outside of a playoff spot.
Insider Reveals Maple Leafs Listening on Trade Calls for $46.5M Star Forward