Kent Hughes Explores Trade for Matthew Knies Ahead of Deadline
Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, reportedly explored a trade for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies before the trade deadline on March 9, 2026. The discussions centered around acquiring the 23-year-old power forward, who has made a significant impact this season.
Matthew Knies has recorded 16 goals and 35 assists, totaling 51 points in 61 games this season. His performance has been bolstered by an average ice time of 18:45 per night and 122 hits, showcasing his physical presence on the ice. Knies is under contract with a cap hit of $7.75 million through the 2030-31 season.
Despite the interest from Hughes, the proposed trade for Knies did not materialize before the deadline, which is notable given that trades between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs are considered rare. The Canadiens have a deep prospect pool and draft capital, which may facilitate future trade discussions.
Prior to the deadline, there were rumors circulating about Knies’ availability, with Nick Kypreos mentioning that his name was “out there with multiple teams.” Kypreos also indicated that there was a sense of a deal being worked on involving the Leafs.
Nicolas Cloutier added that there was a name circulating behind the scenes regarding the Canadiens’ interests, although he cautioned that it might not come to light. The Canadiens passed on selecting Shane Wright in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, which has added pressure on Hughes to make impactful moves.
As the trade deadline passed, Hughes is expected to revisit discussions regarding Knies in the summer. The Canadiens’ management remains focused on improving the team’s roster, and Knies could be a key target if the Leafs are open to trade talks.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the identity of the mystery player the Canadiens nearly acquired. The outcome of any future discussions involving Knies will depend on the willingness of the Maple Leafs to engage in trade negotiations.
For now, the Canadiens continue to strategize their approach as they look to enhance their competitiveness in the NHL.
