Matthew Knies trade takes another turn after new Auston Matthews revelation

There's a new twist in the Matthew Knies trade that seemed to go by the wayside, and that's the fact that Auston Matthews knew about it long before it even happened.

When Matthew Knies was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets it sent shockwaves through the NHL as it turned the league on its head. Toronto added star forward Kirill Marchenko in the process, and Knies is now poised to be a star on the Blue Jackets - as much as fans are still a bit weary of the deal.

There were big questions about how Marchenko would change the locker room dynamic especially after Knies was such a beloved part of the locker room who felt like a Maple Leafs lifer. But questions about his health gave Toronto some reservations about keeping him long-term.

Auston Matthews was absolutely fine with Matthew Knies leaving town

Though there's something else that has come to light that shows perhaps the Maple Leafs were a bit more prepared for his departure than we thought - at least the captain was.

According to David Pagnotta, Auston Matthews was made aware of this deal and he okayed things, not really putting up a fight to keep Knies; especially when it involved Marchenko:

Auston Matthews was on board with this trade; he knew in advance that this was a possibility.

Now, it's not that Matthews forced Knies out but it is interesting to see how willing he was to move on from Knies if it meant adding a player of Marchenko's calibre. The two already seem to enjoy playing with each other, and though it's early - they will be dangerous together.

Auston Matthews has always wanted Kirill Marchenko on his wing

But also it should be noted that Matthews has been keeping his eye on Marchenko, as he mentioned that three years ago he spoke to an unidentified teammate and mentioned Marchenko was 'the best unknown player in the league.'

That right there is confirmation that Matthews had to have been more than okay with the fact that Toronto traded away Knies. Sure, Knies was a great support piece but his chemistry with Matthews had a lot to do with Mitch Marner, and it was more important to bring in someone similar.

Can Knies hit 30 goals? Absolutely, and he'll have a great chance to form a deadly duo with Adam Fantilli. But Matthews has been desperate for someone who can drive the offence, give him open looks, and create. The eye test doesn't lie - Marchenko has been excellent to start the season.

It was genuinely shocking to see Matthew Knies leaving the Maple Leafs after so much was invested in him, but as John Chayka said: You need to trade quality to get quality.

Toronto certainly got themselves a quality player and Auston Matthews has to be sitting there smiling knowing it's the guy he's wanted for the last three years.

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