Is There A Deal Toronto Shouldn’t Reject Matthew Knies? – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Reports suggest that the Toronto Maple Leafs weighed the market and listened to an offer for Matthew Knies. So far, they’ve likely declined at least a few key points, including a rumored package centered on a top-10 pick.

Understandably, it will take a lot for Toronto and GM John Chayka to move on. That doesn’t mean the offer won’t attract or make a new manager consider a deal. Given his relatively inexpensive contract, lack of trade protection, and time, Toronto needs to wait for the right deal.

Is it there?

Why Matthew Knies Is So Important

Even if he’s not an NHL star yet, there’s a ton to like. Just 23 years old, he’s a 6-foot-3 power forward who can score and score. He can slot in almost anywhere on any team, and he’s already proving that he can be a consistent producer and play with top talent.

Knies is the type of player that is built for playing hockey. He’s got gamer written all over him and the feeling is he’s going to get better, even if he’s not going to be a 40-goal guy. The intangibles he gives make up for the 5-10 goals he might not deliver.

Are There Tradeoffs The Maple Leafs Can Consider?

To be clear, these are just ideas. There is no link from any reputable insider suggesting a trade is imminent or that a deal involving the Knies was imminent. But, the names below have been in the rumor mill, and in at least one case, there has been a Maple Leafs connection.

Are you looking for Dylan Larkin?

Dylan Larkin has officially requested a trade to Detroit, and while most centers are speculating on Florida or Minnesota as possible destinations, Toronto can make their own. It’s unlikely he has the Leafs on his short list, but Larkin will give the team another true No. 1 center.

Given how bad the relationship between Larkin and Detroit is, getting the Knies in return would seem like a win for Steve Yzerman. Chayka may want to give back as Toronto will be giving up a young, cost-controlled player in the long run.

Is it Zach Werenski’s Knies?

Zach Werenski has been favored as a potential trade candidate, and insiders speculate that Toronto could offer the Knies as part of a package. However, he has changed his mind about the trade and wants to stay in Columbus, at least for now.

If that changes and Werenski wants to leave again, he will immediately improve Toronto’s blue line. Werenski has a no-move rule, but it sounds like Toronto is the place to go. The Leafs will have to put more than Knies in the deal. They will also have to ensure that Werenski will be open to expansion. The downside here is that Werenski’s extension will cost the team. It will be higher, much higher than what the Knies are paying.

Are you looking for Connor Hellebuyck?

Is it too late to trade a rookie goaltender? Given that the Maple Leafs recently signed Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal in free agency, the answer is possible. However, if Hellebuyck is willing to go to Toronto and the Winnipeg Jets are ready to trade him, it could be a deal Chayka should consider.

Bobrovsky’s deal also includes a non-movement clause, meaning the Maple Leafs will invest $15.5 million in goaltending, assuming they can move Anthony Stolarz. But, that tandem might be worth the investment. Many believe that Hellebuyck will be sold, eventually. Depending on how Bobrovsky does to start the season, it will be interesting to see if the Leafs start to have a conversation about scoring as the year goes on.