Kent Hughes Explores Trade for Matthew Knies Before Deadline
Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, reportedly explored a trade for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies ahead of the trade deadline on March 9, 2026. The proposed deal, however, did not materialize before the deadline.
Matthew Knies, a 23-year-old power forward, has been a significant contributor for the Maple Leafs this season, recording 16 goals and 35 assists across 61 games. He has also averaged 18:45 of ice time per night and has made an impact with 122 hits.
Knies is under contract with a cap hit of $7.75 million through the 2030-31 season, making him a valuable asset for the Maple Leafs. The Canadiens’ interest in Knies aligns with Hughes’s ongoing efforts to enhance the team’s roster through trades.
Details surrounding the trade discussions remain unconfirmed, including the identity of a mystery player the Canadiens nearly acquired. There is speculation that Hughes was working on a deal with the Leafs, as Knies’s name circulated among multiple teams.
A trade between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs is considered rare, adding to the intrigue of this situation. Nick Kypreos, a sports analyst, noted that there was a sense of activity surrounding Knies’s name, indicating potential movement in the trade market.
Despite the failed trade, Hughes is expected to revisit discussions regarding Knies during the summer. The Canadiens possess a deep prospect pool and significant draft capital, which could facilitate future negotiations.
Hughes’s pursuit of Knies may also be influenced by the Canadiens’ decision to pass on selecting Shane Wright in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, highlighting the team’s ongoing search for impactful players.
As the Canadiens look to strengthen their lineup, the focus will remain on potential trades and player acquisitions. The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are anticipated as the summer approaches.
In summary, while Kent Hughes’s attempt to acquire Matthew Knies did not succeed before the trade deadline, the possibility of future discussions remains on the table.
