Maple Leafs GM Stands Firm, Refuses to Sacrifice Knies in Blockbuster Rantanen Trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs aggressively pursued star winger Mikko Rantanen ahead of the trade deadline, but GM Brad Treliving ultimately refused to pull the trigger on a deal. Despite Rantanen’s elite talent and proven NHL stardom, Treliving prioritized the team’s long-term future and refused to include rising forward Matthew Knies in the package.
Toronto put forth a compelling offer featuring top prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, along with two first-round picks. However, the Carolina Hurricanes, who held Rantanen’s trade rights, turned it down. Instead, they countered with a demand that Knies be included an ultimatum that Treliving wasn’t willing to accept.
Following the deadline, Treliving explained his reasoning. “He’s sort of grown right in front of our eyes,” he said of Knies. “He’s a big part of our team now, and he’s a unique player. That’s a big, strong man at 22 years old. You can see a power forward developing right in front of us.”
With Toronto unwilling to part ways with Knies, Carolina instead sent Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, acquiring top prospect Logan Stankoven, two conditional first-round picks (2026, 2028), and two third-rounders. According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, the Hurricanes also preferred moving Rantanen to the Western Conference rather than risk facing him in a potential playoff matchup against the Maple Leafs.
Knies has been a crucial part of Toronto’s roster, tallying 77 points across 141 regular-season games. The 22-year-old forward is enjoying a breakout season with 41 points in 58 games, including 24 goals and 17 assists. With his three-year, $2.78 million contract set to expire on July 1, Knies will become a restricted free agent, and the Maple Leafs will have a key decision to make regarding his future.
