Canadiens Eye Matthew Knies Ahead of NHL Draft

As the NHL draft approaches, Matthew Knies has emerged as a key figure in trade discussions, particularly concerning the Montreal Canadiens. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger was previously rumored to be the player who could have been acquired by the Canadiens during the trade deadline, but that deal ultimately fell through.

Marco D’Amico from BPM Sports reports that the Canadiens are still eyeing Knies, but they face stiff competition from teams like the Buffalo Sabres and the San Jose Sharks. The Sabres, now in possession of the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft, present a significant challenge for Montreal, as they have a strong asset to offer in negotiations.

The Leafs are currently weighing their options with Knies, exploring potential trades while not fully committing to a move. With the first overall pick already in their grasp, Toronto is looking to reset after a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs, leading to the firing of both their coach and general manager. This situation raises the possibility that if the Leafs decide to trade defenseman Morgan Rielly—who has reportedly given them a list of preferred teams—the Canadiens could find an opportunity to engage in discussions.

Rielly, a seasoned left-shot defenseman, has been integral to Toronto’s defensive lineup. The Canadiens have depth on the blue line, which could make them an appealing trade partner. The recent trade of Bowen Byram between the Buffalo Sabres and the Chicago Blackhawks demonstrates that defensemen can command a significant return, and the Canadiens may want to consider leveraging an established defenseman like Kaiden Guhle in discussions.

While Guhle alone may not be enough to secure Knies, he could serve as a solid starting point. If the Canadiens were to include a top prospect like Alexander Zharovsky, who is highly regarded and many believe should have been a first-round pick in the last draft, they could enhance their offer. Additionally, Michael Hage has been mentioned in trade talks, but the Canadiens would likely need to receive a second-line center in return to consider moving him.

Knies, while not a center himself, would address a significant need for the Canadiens. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound forward has tallied 160 points in 240 career games with the Leafs, including an impressive 66 points in 79 games last season. His physical play, exemplified by 152 hits while playing in Toronto’s top six, would make him an invaluable asset for Montreal, especially during the playoffs. Having been a second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Knies is signed for another five years at a $7.75 million cap hit, which aligns well with the Canadiens’ salary structure.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.