Chicago could give Toronto exactly the piece they need but getting rid of Matthew Knies is not the answer
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the chance to completely transform their franchise with not one, but two top-five picks. Too bad it'll cost them their future captain.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs mull over who they are going to select, the Chicago Blackhawks are pretty much dead set on making sure they don't have that pick. According to sources, GM Kyle Davidson is more than happy to move their fourth overall pick for a chance to bring in an NHL-ready name:
You have to be open to anything and consider it. It's rare that these kinds of picks are traded. We'll see what's out there.
Though it would be pretty stunning to get rid of that pick considering the likes of Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, and Caleb Malhotra are all available and ready to become stars. But with the Blackhawks in a position to want competitiveness now - the future can wait.
Chicago has their eyes solely focused on a really 'Knies' NHL player
It's why they were so heavily invested in trying to bring in Toronto's Matthew Knies last year but former GM Brad Treliving wouldn't budge. David Pagnotta reiterated that it's like the Blackhawks pursue him again and with a new regime in charge; who knows where their minds are:
If Chicago didn't win the lottery, they had decided they were willing to move whatever pick they end up at. They have the fourth.
Chicago's interest in Matthew Knies goes back awhile. It's Kyle Davidson's interest. There's a new regime now (TOR) so I think Chicago will inquire again. I assume they are going to hold onto him but it won't stop Chicago from trying.
Chicago's interest in Matthew Knies goes back awhile. It's Kyle Davidson's interest. There's a new regime now (TOR) so I think Chicago will inquire again. I assume they are going to hold onto him but it won't stop Chicago from trying.
The rumours around Knies this season centred around the potential for Chicago to improve Toronto's blueline via their wealth of young defenders like Wyatt Kaiser and Artyom Levshunov.
If Davidson is as dead set on acquiring Knies and is willing to give Toronto a chance to draft not only McKenna but potentially their blueliner of the future then maybe John Chayka should at least entertain the thought.
Losing Matthew Knies hurts Toronto because he's very likely their future captain
But if Toronto were to get rid of Knies, they would be getting rid of one of the most unique, promising, and exciting players in the league. Defined by his unicorn-esque play style, he dictates the pace at every opportunity.
Knies can score 30 goals, give you 40 assists, 200 hits, he's listed at 6-foot-3, 232 pounds (though likely heavier), can dangle with everyone and he's only 23. Like, there's not many built like him and he's not even scratched the surface.
It's why Davidson is targeting him specifically to play with Connor Bedard according to Pagnotta:
Knies is the type of player Chicago is looking for. Not really stylistically but in terms of where they are in their careers.
That's the calibre of players they want to bring up with Bedard. I think there would be a willingness to package the fourth pick with other assets in order to get a young, NHL-ready player.
That's the calibre of players they want to bring up with Bedard. I think there would be a willingness to package the fourth pick with other assets in order to get a young, NHL-ready player.
While it's tempting to get yourself the fourth overall pick as well as a potential young blueliner or forward (Frank Nazar comes to mind) there's a serious flaw in that plan. For all intents and purposes, if Auston Matthews leaves...Knies should be your next captain.
Look, it may seem brazen but hear me out. He's already able to speak comfortably with the media, is a towering presence on and off the ice, is a genuinely charming and caring person, clearly is committed to the city and well...his love for the city is well documented:
When Knies went absolutely wild for the Raptors last-second win it proved that he cared deeply about more than just his own team's success. He wants to be part of a bigger picture, and be part of a successful core of young athletes who lead every Toronto team to a championship.
Right now, Toronto has the chance to build up and build around their first overall pick and perhaps even Auston Matthews if he decides to stay though it involves losing their prized mythical beast.
Instead, they should be preparing some new threads for Matthew Knies, because that 'C' is going to make its way onto his sweater sooner than later.
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Gavin McKenna's junior coach said he refused to accept being average and that one quote tells you everything
Gavin McKenna's junior coach said he refused to accept being average and that one quote tells you everything
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