3 Teams Could Circle Back To Try To Trade Matthew Knies – Hockey Writers –

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline included several rumors involving Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. As soon as the appointed time came and we left, his name was all over the place. Apparently, Toronto hung him at the last minute, and former Maple Leafs manager Brad Treliving was listening. Finally, when the dust settled, Knies stayed where he was.

Now, with the NHL Draft and free agency approaching, the market for the Knies looks like it could be working again. New GM John Chayka just won the draft lottery and could add production talent Gavin McKenna to an already talented core. He has a decision to make. The question is not whether teams will return to Knies, but whether Chayka will listen.

The Buffalo Sabres

Of all the teams linked to the Knies, the Buffalo Sabers may be the most eager to get a deal done this summer. According to Chad DeDominicis of Expected Buffalo, Buffalo was aggressively trying to acquire the Knies at the trade deadline and had put together a trade package similar to the one they used to pursue the St. Louis center. Louis Blues Robert Thomas. It was a multi-part gift.

With Alex Tuch’s future in Buffalo uncertain — his contract status remains unresolved heading into free agency — the Sabers may end up needing a six-man wing that can play with Tage Thompson and contribute real offensive and visual production. Knies, who has 23 goals and 66 points in 79 games this season, fits that profile perfectly.

Buffalo has the chops to make it work. Knies, 24, is signed until 2030-31 on a club-friendly deal and is the type of player they risk signing. If Tuch starts, don’t be surprised if Kekalainen is among the first calls Chayka gets this summer.

The Montreal Canadiens

Interest in Montreal Knies paid off during the season, though the Leafs quickly shut down those initial discussions. The balance, however, hasn’t changed – it’s just become more apparent how much closer the Canadians are to contention than most people thought they would be.

The Canadiens are not rebuilding, and their series against the Carolina Hurricanes showed that they need a few pieces to truly compete. That could include a talented forward who can’t score. Knies brings exactly what Montreal didn’t have against Carolina.

GM Kent Hughes said he won’t hold onto key pieces to add a reliever in 2026-27. However, the Knies are more than that. He’s locked in, which makes any deal involving the Canadiens attractive. Another situation that has been floated involves 24-year-old defenseman Kaiden Guhle, along with Montreal’s 2026 first-round pick — a package that would provide Toronto with young defensive depth and capital in time for the franchise’s resurgence.

If Toronto adds Guhle to their first pick, that’s two big pieces.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks may be the wildcard here. They need someone to grow around Connor Bedard, and a true power forward would be a huge asset. Neither Frank Nazar nor Tyler Bertuzzi is the long-term superstar that Bedard arguably needs.

Knives can be. The Blackhawks own the 4th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and that pick could be a compelling base for the Knies. Any deal between Toronto and Chicago will have to start there, and Chicago has shown a willingness to have a conversation.

Under GM Kyle Davidson, the Blackhawks are trying to accelerate their rebuild. Adding a 24-year-old top-six forward who has six years left on his contract would show that Chicago is ready to compete for real, not just in a few seasons.

Any team looking at the Knies has one thing in common: urgency. Each has a compelling need for immediate improvement. They may be in a different position when it comes to the current competition, but adding the Knies helps boost each club in a significant way. John Chayka may finally decide that the price is too high and the Knies are too important to Toronto’s future. But if he listens — and early signs suggest he will — these three franchises will be at the front of the line.