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Knies' Extension Holds; Teams Scouted Him Pre-Deadline
20 Mar
Summary
- Several teams showed serious interest in Matthew Knies before the deadline.
- Knies signed a six-year extension last June with the Maple Leafs.
- Toronto is projected to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
Several NHL franchises, including the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth, reportedly showed significant interest in acquiring Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies prior to the March 6 trade deadline. Knies, who has been a core piece of the Maple Leafs' future since his 2022-23 NHL entry, committed to a six-year extension last June. This new contract carries a $7.75 million cap hit and notably does not include any trade protection.
As of March 20, 2026, the Maple Leafs are trending towards missing the postseason for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign. In response, the team traded forwards Nicolas Roy, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann before the deadline, aiming to recoup draft picks. The team's draft capital for 2026 and 2027 remains impacted by previous trade decisions made before their last playoff run.
The Canadiens, who remained inactive at the trade deadline, are in a strong position to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. General Manager Kent Hughes indicated that their lack of trade activity was not due to a lack of effort. Meanwhile, the Mammoth and Ducks are ascending teams currently occupying playoff spots, while the Devils and Blackhawks are ranked 13th and 14th in their respective conferences.
