Chicago Blackhawks Open to Trading Draft Picks
The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly open to trading any of their draft selections in the upcoming two drafts. While the fourth overall pick is a significant asset that would command a high price from a contending team looking for immediate impact, the Blackhawks’ willingness extends to other picks as well. Discussions around Connor Bedard’s contract are expected to remain private.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Consider Trading Matthew Knies?
Forward Matthew Knies has been a subject of trade speculation for the Toronto Maple Leafs for some time, with past discussions involving teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens. Despite his youth and potential to complement star players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, his availability in trade talks raises questions. Knies, at 23, has shown promise as a top-six winger with physical play and a team-friendly contract for the next five years. His trade value might even surpass that of Matthews and Nylander due to their no-movement clauses, potentially allowing the Leafs to acquire a high-caliber defenseman or a skilled center. The article speculates on potential trade targets such as Darren Raddysh or Rasmus Andersson, and even considers players like Zach Werenski or Nico Hischier, although some targets come with contractual complexities or age considerations. Ultimately, the sentiment is that trading for an elite defenseman like Werenski would align with a retooling strategy.
Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly willing to trade any of their draft picks over the next two drafts.
Scott Powers from The Athletic notes that the Chicago Blackhawks do not anticipate Ivar Stenberg being available at the fourth overall selection. Pierre LeBrun previously reported that the Blackhawks are open to moving the fourth overall pick, and it’s understood they would consider trading any of their draft picks in the next two drafts. A trade involving the fourth pick would undoubtedly require a significant return, likely a prime player who can contribute for many years. Information regarding Connor Bedard’s contract negotiations is not expected to be publicly disclosed.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly considering trading Matthew Knies.
Jonas Siegel of The Athletic highlights that Matthew Knies’ name has surfaced in trade discussions for years, dating back to 2022 trade talks with the Chicago Blackhawks involving Brandon Hagel and Marc-Andre Fleury. He was also mentioned in trade scenarios involving Mikko Rantanen and was inquired about by teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres at the recent trade deadline. The article weighs the pros and cons of trading Knies. At just 23 years old, he could form a strong forward group with younger prospects like Easton Cowan and potentially Gavin McKenna, complementing Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Despite playing through a knee injury and experiencing a lower shooting percentage and fewer high-danger chances, Knies achieved career highs in points (66) and ice time, showcasing his ability as a top-six winger who can also bring physicality. His remaining five-year contract at $7.75 million could be considered a bargain. His trade value might exceed that of Matthews and Nylander due to their no-movement clauses, potentially enabling the Leafs to acquire a top-tier defenseman or a center. Acquiring players like Darren Raddysh or Rasmus Andersson could be a compelling reason to move Knies. The article questions the wisdom of trading Knies for an older defenseman like Roman Josi, suggesting a player like Zach Werenski might be a more sensible target, contingent on his willingness to extend his contract beyond his remaining two years. The possibility of acquiring New Jersey Devils forward Nico Hischier, who has a year left on his contract, is also raised, with the caveat that an extension would be necessary, but he could fill a crucial second-line center role. The conclusion suggests that if the Leafs can secure an elite defenseman like Werenski, they should pursue the trade, emphasizing that trading for future assets is not typically part of a retooling process.
