The Montreal Canadiens continue to be linked to one of the most intriguing trade candidates on the NHL market.
According to Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos, interest in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies has not faded despite major changes in the organization’s front office. In fact, the trade chatter appears to be gaining momentum as teams across the league inquire about the 23-year-old winger.
“Knies’ name is the biggest one out there from Toronto and there are teams all over GM John Chayka about this player,” Kypreos wrote in his recent column. “Everyone has linked Knies to Montreal, but there are many teams pushing hard for him and it’s something the Leafs are thinking long and hard about.”
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Knies is entering the second season of a six-year, $46.5 million contract carrying a $7.75 million cap hit. His combination of size (6 ft 3 in), scoring touch, and age makes him one of the most valuable young forwards potentially available.
The rumors are especially notable given that Toronto nearly moved Knies to Montreal at the 2026 trade deadline before the deal reportedly fell apart due to a late submission to the league office.
Why Montreal Canadiens remain a logical fit for Matthew Knies?
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) puck juggles at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
From Montreal’s perspective, the attraction is obvious.
The Canadiens took a major step forward in 2025-26, finishing with 106 points and reaching the Eastern Conference Final. Their core, led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson, is entering its competitive window.
Adding Knies would strengthen that group immediately. He produced career highs with 23 goals and 66 points last season while bringing the physical style playoff contenders covet.
That said, there are legitimate questions about fit and cost.
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Montreal’s most pressing need remains a reliable second-line center. Acquiring Knies would improve wing depth, but it would not directly address the club’s biggest structural weakness. The Canadiens also face salary-cap pressure with several key players due for new contracts.
Moving Matthew Knies will be difficult for Toronto
For Toronto, the decision is equally complex. Knies was one of the few bright spots during a disastrous season that ended with the Maple Leafs missing the playoffs. Trading a young power forward under long-term control on a team-friendly deal only makes sense if Chayka receives a package that accelerates the franchise’s reset.
Kypreos reported that, “the Maple Leafs’ new front office is still looking to shake it up and Tuesday’s trade with Philadelphia is small potatoes compared to some of the things they’re thinking about.”
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For now, the Canadiens remain firmly in the conversation, but any deal would require a significant price and careful cap management from both sides.