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Elliotte Friedman Confirms Reason for Rejected Maple Leafs-Mikko Rantanen Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 23, 2025 8:10 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs nearly acquired current Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline but ultimately decided against it, as initially reported by Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos.

Earlier this week, fellow NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed the reasons for the trade rejection, coinciding with those shared by Kypreos and confirming the initial report.

During Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Friedman confirmed Kypreos' information, saying that the Leafs indeed turned down a deal that would have sent Knies out in exchange for star forward Mikko Rantanen, then with the Carolina Hurricanes

“They could have traded Matthew Knies for Rantanen this year," Friedman said. "They didn’t, so they obviously think he’s going to be a big part of their future, and we’ll see how those contract talks go.

"If you think someone is a core piece, you sign them for as long as you can because the price will never go down. And I think they will do that with Knies."

32 Thoughts Monday morning playoff reaction, news, information and analysis podcast.

Links to your preferred platform, here: https://t.co/io7Mr1QEpm Enjoy!
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 19, 2025

Kypreos first broke the news that Toronto made a strong offer that included Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, and multiple first-round picks. When the Hurricanes asked for Knies instead, general manager Brad Treliving declined.

Carolina later traded Rantanen to the Stars, where Rantanen immediately signed an eight-year, $96 million extension.

Treliving offered a blunt explanation after the deadline on why the Leafs didn't want to include Knies in any trade package.

“He’s sort of grown right in front of our eyes,” Treliving said of Knies. “He’s a big part of our team now. And he’s a unique player.”

Shortly after the trade deadline, Knies acknowledged the trade rumors weighed on him during that stretch.

“A little nerve-wracking,” Knies said. “I wanted to stay here and be a part of this group. Fortunately, I’m still here and just excited.”

The 22-year-old followed with a strong campaign, finishing with 29 goals and 29 assists in 78 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he added five goals and two assists in 13 games.

Knies will become a restricted free agent on July 1. During the team’s year-end media availability, he addressed speculation about offer sheets and his future.

“I want to be here. I want to play here. That’s all that matters to me,” Knies said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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