The Fate of Matthew Knies Confirmed: Will He Be Used as Trade Bait?

Once again, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in prime position to make a Stanley Cup push in 2023-24, but with some holes on their roster, they may need to sacrifice a prospect or two to improve their team.

With major needs on the blue line and in net, the Maple Leafs have been linked to many veterans this season, and if they are to make a move, they will need to move one of their highly touted prospects.

The likes of Easton Cowan, Nick Robertson and Fraser Minten could likely all be had, but now, the latest report from The Athletic has revealed that top prospect Matthew Knies will not be available as the trade deadline approaches.

In 30 games this season, Knies has been a solid part of the Maple Leafs lineup, tallying 8 goals and 14 points thus far, and at just 21-years of age, it's clear just how important he is to the future of their team.

With the opportunity to run through the loaded Eastern Conference, the Leafs will look to upgrade on the blue line and in net, so while it appears everyone is available, it makes sense that Knies is the exception, especially if the team lose William Nylander after this season.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES