Matthew Knies trade talk resurfaces amid Maple Leafs' deal with Flyers

Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies. Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Matthew Knies trade talk resurfaces amid Maple Leafs' deal with Flyers

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 12:41 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers completed a somewhat unexpected trade on Tuesday, with Toronto acquiring defenseman Emil Andrae, goaltender Samuel Ersson and a 2026 third-round pick in exchange for goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit. The trade, meant to help improve the Leafs’ mobility from the back end and relieve a bit of the surplus in goal, might be just the start of moves coming for the organization.

What’s drawing attention are the conversations around the trade. During the trade discussions, reports indicated that teams reached out to Toronto to inquire about forward Matthew Knies.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, several clubs were doing their due diligence not only on Woll but also on Knies. While Woll ultimately became the centerpiece of the deal with Philadelphia, it became clear that the Leafs are contemplating other trades and moving Knies for the right return might be among them.

Matthew Knies’ name keeps coming up in trade discussions

This isn’t the first time Knies’ name has surfaced in trade speculation. He was linked to potential moves at last season’s trade deadline, though no deal materialized. With a new management group now in place, there was some belief that those discussions had cooled. Still, interest from other teams suggests otherwise.

From a league-wide perspective, the curiosity makes sense. Knies is viewed as a high-upside power forward with a team-friendly contract. Whether Toronto is actively exploring deals involving him remains unclear, but it’s evident it is at least listening.

The continued speculation could eventually become a storyline in itself.

Without trade protection and with his value firmly established, Knies finds himself in a position where his name will likely continue to circulate.

The crew at TSN OverDrive got on the topic of Knies potentially sitting down with the Maple Leafs and asking what is going on regarding his future. Jeff O’Neill suggested that it would bother anyone to hear their name so often in trade talks, but for Knies, who was under the impression he was a big part of what the Leafs are trying to do, it has to be particularly concerning.

If clarity from management isn’t forthcoming, how long before he gets annoyed that he’s constantly being talked about as someone who could be moved?

For the Maple Leafs, the approach appears measured. There’s no indication they are shopping Knies, but as is standard practice across the NHL, general managers will take calls on just about anyone. The decision ultimately comes down to whether an offer meaningfully improves the roster.

For now, Knies remains in Toronto—but the noise surrounding his future doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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