Matthew Knies is reportedly looking to slim down and get a little leaner to get even better for Toronto meanwhile the team is actively testing his trade value.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively listening to offers on Matthew Knies though John Chayka has admitted he likely won't be trading the young forward. Meanwhile, Knies has been trying to get faster, leaner and meaner as he prepares for an even better 2026-27 season.
Knies, 23, had 66 points in 78 games which included 43 assists while also adding 152 hits. He's still the same unicorn we saw in 2024-25 and despite Toronto's struggles, he was one of the team's lone bright spots. He's capable of scoring even more and even with his gigantic frame is able to weave in and out of traffic like lightning - a rare breed.
Matthew Knies is trying to get a little leaner and meaner ahead of the 2026-27 season
Already one of the brightest future stars on the Maple Leafs, it seems like Knies is aiming to get even better and part of that involves getting a little bit leaner.
TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Knies has been working hard this summer to get slimmer and perhaps add a bit more dexterity and quick-twitch movement while also keeping himself as durable as possible:
I know that Matthew Knies is working hard during this off-season, he's trying to trim down. I mean, he was in the mid-230s, Gino. That was his playing weight. And he's a big power forward, but I think he believes that he can be maybe a little bit quicker if he gets into the 220s and maybe less injury prone.
That honestly should make Maple Leafs fans feel a lot of relief, because Knies was dealing with an injury for the majority of the 2025-26 season and wasn't exactly 100%. He was able to put together a good season regardless, and his proactive nature with regard to keeping himself limber and less injury-prone should only keep him on the ice longer.
Knies was involved in several rumours including one to the Montreal Canadiens back at the deadline that never materialized, then we also heard both the Blackhawks and Sabres were heavily interested in bringing in the young power forward - but perhaps John Chayka should put his phone on silent.
Knies getting healthier and faster can only mean good things for the Maple Leafs
You're taking a player who already showcased some incredible talent and a unique skillset years before his prime, and he's someone who is able to build off that, become better and truly cement himself as a superstar.
Knies is a guy who already strikes fear into the heart of players so imagine him getting faster while still being able to hit as hard as he can. That's a nightmare for anyone, and with him already hard to beat off the puck, that speed will only create more space for him to work with.
There's a lot to unpack in a Knies deal though. You'd get a top prospect, a first-round pick and a top defender at least, with some teams willing to likely overpay for a chance to get him.
That's tempting no doubt, but this is a 23-year old player who has already proven that he can contribute at a high level, offers something Toronto hasn't had in terms of a skillset for years, and is signed long-term on a very reasonable contract.
Trading Matthew Knies would certainly shake things up in Toronto but with him already proven he can be a star, and working to get even better? That wouldn't just jump the shark - it would clear the entire ocean.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Matthew Knies?
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