Overview
- Multiple NHL insiders and executives said on Thursday that pre-draft trade conversations about Knies have intensified but no transaction has been reported.
- On Real Kyper & Bourne, Nick Kypreos said Toronto should seek a top-pair defenseman, a first-round pick and a secondary player in any deal for Knies.
- David Pagnotta raised the possibility that the Leafs could use Knies to jump into a top-five pick and specifically linked the Chicago Blackhawks as an interested suitor.
- Knies is a 23–24-year-old power forward who signed a six-year extension last summer and is reported to have no no-trade clause, traits that increase his market value and tradability.
- Holding the No. 1 overall pick and under GM John Chayka, the Leafs face a choice between keeping Knies for immediate forward depth or trading him to add a top defense prospect or extra high picks that would change Toronto’s short-term roster and draft plans.