Â
The Chicago Blackhawks appear set to make another aggressive push to accelerate their rebuild this offseason, and one name continues to sit near the top of their wishlist: Matthew Knies.
According to multiple reports, Chicago had serious interest in the Toronto Maple Leafs winger ahead of the 2026 trade deadline and made inquiries about his availability. While a deal never materialized, league chatter suggests the Blackhawks are expected to revisit those talks this summer as they search for the right long-term running mate for Connor Bedard.
Knies fits almost every box Chicago is looking to check.
At 23 years old, Knies is already establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young power forwards. He combines size, physicality, and offensive touch, producing 23 goals and 66 points in 79 games during the 2025-26 season. That kind of production, paired with his ability to play a heavy game, makes him an ideal fit in a top-six role beside Bedard.
For Chicago, the logic is simple.
Bedard remains the centerpiece of the rebuild, but surrounding him with the right supporting cast remains the organization’s top priority. Knies would bring a layer of puck retrieval, net-front presence, and forechecking pressure that could complement Bedard’s playmaking and offensive creativity.
It is the kind of stylistic pairing that could work immediately.
The financial side also makes this an interesting situation. Knies is under contract through the 2030-31 season with a $7.75 million cap hit, which gives any acquiring team long-term certainty. For Chicago, that matters. The Blackhawks are not looking for short-term fixes. They are looking for players who can grow with their young core and be part of the next competitive window.
That contract, however, also raises the price.
Toronto has consistently viewed Knies as an important part of its core, and moving him would not come cheap. If the Maple Leafs decide to reshape their roster after another disappointing postseason, Knies could become one of their most valuable trade chips.
Chicago has the assets to make a serious offer.
The Blackhawks own multiple draft picks, a deep prospect pool, and significant salary cap flexibility. That combination gives general manager Kyle Davidson the ability to construct a competitive package if Toronto opens the door.
The question is whether Chicago is willing to pay the premium.
Adding Knies would represent a major statement from the Blackhawks front office. It would signal that the rebuild is entering a more aggressive phase and that management is ready to build a playoff-caliber supporting cast around Bedard sooner rather than later.
Nothing is close yet, and Toronto may still view Knies as untouchable. But if the Blackhawks are serious about taking the next step, this is the kind of swing worth taking.
And this summer, the noise around Knies and Chicago may only get louder.
.png)
.png)
0 Comments