Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies continues to be named in trade rumors, and Darren Dreger has the latest on what the franchise plans to do.
After a summer full of trade rumors, Maple Leafs GM John Chayka came out and said that Matthew Knies is here to stay. He even appeared to have some criticism of the former regime's decision to shop the power forward.
However, Knies trade talks appear to be back on the menu, as according to Darren Dreger, rival teams are circling the wagons.
Thankfully, for Leafs fans, this does not mean the Leafs want to make a deal. As Dreger reports, the Leafs would much rather keep Knies, and are not actively shopping him.
I don't believe for a second that the Maple Leafs are shopping Matthew Knies. I just think that it's conversations that managers would have had at the trade deadline or in the offseason, and they're circling back.
It's not front-burner stuff, but maybe it develops as the season unfolds.
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Something would have to drastically change if the Maple Leafs were to decide to change course and give Chayka the go-ahead to move on from Knies.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Matthew Knies?
While the Leafs aren't planning on trading Knies, the fact remains that he has had some struggles dating back to last season, especially when playing with Auston Matthews.
In his first preseason game a few days ago, Knies laid an egg, and it led to some speculation that he will be demoted and given new linemates.
There are some who believe Gavin McKenna should be put on the first line while Knies plays with William Nylander and John Tavares.
With the trade rumors in view, Knies will be facing some newfound pressure, and with a large contract kicking in, the noise will be that much louder.
For now, however, he can breathe a bit easier knowing the Leafs do not want to move on from him just yet.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Matthew Knies?
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