The internet almost blew up when NHL trade rumors emerged regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Matthew Knies.
Knies wasn’t believed to be one of the Maple Leafs’ targets at the deadline. But according to insider Elliotte Friedman, it seems that the Leafs were getting calls on Knies.
In the Saturday edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman expounded on the situation. The insider noted that the Maple Leafs would have been open to moving Knies under one specific situation: Getting an offer they couldn’t refuse.
“I think there was something to that… they just said if you want to make us a huge offer that would make us think about Knies, they wanted people to know that, if you’re serious…we’d look at it.”
The specific NHL trade rumors, as stated on the March 6 edition of the Kyper & Bourne show, illustrate how the Maple Leafs were open to just about anything at the deadline. The deal didn’t happen, of course, but there is a sense that the Maple Leafs are in a position to consider anything.
It’s unclear whether NHL trade rumors involving Knies will gain any traction moving forward. But, generally speaking, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Why NHL Trade Rumors Involving Knies Make Sense
NHL trade rumors involving Knies make sense. The Maple Leafs are looking to recoup whatever they can at this point. The idea is to collect as many assets as part of the rebuilding-on-the-fly process.
Instead of going through a prolonged teardown and rebuild, the aim is to turn things around as quickly as possible.
The Leafs are likely looking at teams like the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins. These were clubs that sold off last season and are back in the thick of the playoff race.
That’s why NHL trade rumors surrounding the Maple Leafs won’t go away. The Leafs will be looking to maximize whatever returns they can get this season and beyond. And if that entails dealing Knies, that may just happen.
Knies Is Toronto’s Best Trade Piece
Beyond dealing Auston Matthews and William Nylander, Toronto’s best trade chip is Knies. It’s hard to fathom a team not wanting to add a piece like Knies to their roster.
However, he won’t come cheap. That’s why NHL trade rumors involving Knies could gain some traction.
Based on this past NHL trade deadline’s prices, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Knies costing interested parties a first-round pick, a secondary pick, and a top prospect. That would be three pieces that could help spark the Maple Leafs’ turnaround.
As for interested teams, that’s another story. Just about every team in the league would be interested. There was no shortage of chatter involving every contender looking for another top-six forward.
That situation fits Knies’ description. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if NHL trade rumors picked up in the offseason. The Leafs have a clear need for more depth, draft picks, and prospects.
While it may seem unthinkable for the Leafs to trade Knies at this point, there may be no other option.
NHL Trade Rumors: Leafs Knies Deal Hinged on 1 Condition