Mike Johnson and Jamie McLennan discussed a potential Matthew Knies blockbuster, but while there's a good foundation - it would be crazy to get rid of him.
TSN's Mike Johnson and Jamie McLennan were among the panel to discuss how Toronto can improve on their blueline and they dropped a wild proposal: Matthew Knies for Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec. That certainly helps Toronto with one of their biggest issues, but given what Knies brings to the table at $7.75-million, they'd be insane to deal him away.
A bevy of names have been thrown around since before the trade deadline and that list has grown considerably with names like Vince Dunn and Darren Raddysh now in the mix. But two names who have repeatedly popped up are Dougie Hamilton's and Simon Nemec's; both employed by the Devils.
Hamilton's brother just got hired by the Maple Leafs and he's a local kid so that's no surprise, and Nemec is a young puck-mover who was seemingly pushed down the depth chart and needs a new long-term deal.
Matthew Knies could be used as trade bait to bring in the blueline help Toronto needs according to two TSN analysts
That's led to two analysts believing that Toronto could make a push for both of them.
TSN's Overdrive panel discussed potential names that could come over, with Hamilton being at the forefront. However it was Mike Johnson who brought up a blockbuster deal that could shake the foundation of the team immediately:
'They hire Freddie cause they want Dougie but wouldn't it make sense as an upgrade?
What they need is Dougie, Morgan and two others...they need a 26-year old Dougie Hamilton, not a 32-year old one.' - Jamie McLennan
'Well, hear me out. Would you take Nemec and Hamilton for Matthew Knies? They need to get better, they need people to move the puck, he's going to get traded at some point.' - Mike Johnson
'I would listen, it's tough but I would.' - McLennan
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That would certainly be an earth-shattering move considering that Toronto immediately solves both their puck-moving issues as well as giving them two right-handed shots that have no issues firing the puck at the net.
Hamilton and Nemec are great, but Matthew Knies is the Maple Leafs future captain
Hamilton, 32, struggled offensively this season with only 39 points in 77 games however has been lights out averaging nearly 12 goals and 38.5 points over his career including a stretch of seven straight seasons with 10+ goals; he's owed $9-million for the next two seasons.
Nemec, 22, also struggled a bit offensively though did put up career numbers - it's nowhere near what New Jersey is expecting. He had 26 points in 68 games but is projected to be a top pairing offensive defenceman with a killer instinct; Nemec is an RFA this summer.
Now, there's literally nothing wrong with bringing in both players. Nemec can help the youth aspect, needs an opportunity to play a ton of minutes and could be a huge part of that new core which includes Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna.
Hamilton is the veteran that Toronto needed Rielly to be, and he would offer instant improvement in the top-4 while also providing a feel-good story in the background.
But none of that holds a candle to Knies, and Toronto is foolish to deal him away.
Knies, 23, just put up 66 points in 79 games in his third full season. He's barely scratched the surface of his potential and he's already a dominant force. He's a unicorn - he scores, isa playmaker, hits a ton, is fast, plays solid defensively, he's 6-foot-3, 232 pounds...they don't make 'em like that.
He also added 152 hits, his third straight year with 150+ and last year was one of only three players in the entire NHL with 25+ goals and 150+ hits.
He was one of Toronto's bright spots in 2025-26 and he showed that he can put the team on his back and help lead when their other stars were hurt. Combined with his serious love for the city and its community and you have yourself the next captain.
Knies is a passionate player on the ice and a passionate fan off it. He went nuts when the Raptors won in overtime, and he was blown away when Toronto won the first overall pick. That level of love shows that it means more to him to wear the crest than just a paycheque.
He's the complete package on the ice and one of the most humble, reserved, but loyal players off the ice. That's hard to replace and there's other avenues the team can pursue to get their defensive help without sacrificing Knies.
Names like Raddysh are free agents and worth spending the money on especially if Morgan Rielly is traded away, and the team can always look to make a deal for Dunn who is in the final year of his deal.
Hamilton and Nemec are very good NHL players but Matthew Knies is an elite mix of power, speed, skill, and size. You don't trade that away - and if you do, then you should probably be given the boot.
Do you think Matthew Knies should be an untouchable asset on the Maple Leafs?
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