Great News: The Maple Leafs Didn’t Trade Matthew Knies

Old Prof March 25, 2025 in Banner News, Featured, NHL, Toronto Maple Leafs Tagged Toronto Maple Leafs - 3 Minutes

In today’s NHL, there are too many trade rumors, speculations, and “what-ifs” to go around. One of the more intriguing scenarios that Toronto Maple Leafs fans discussed this season was the possibility of trading Matthew Knies for a star like Mikko Rantanen. As good as Rantanen is, in reading fans’ comments, the consensus among Maple Leafs fans is that keeping Knies was the right call.

Here are four reasons why fans say Knies is a keeper:

1. Knies Brings a Unique Dimension to the Leafs

Knies has quickly become a key piece of the Maple Leafs lineup, and his play has shown that his potential is far from tapped out. While Rantanen is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, there’s always the risk that a player doesn’t fully meet expectations when switching teams.

Knies differs. He’s a young, special player who has already found his niche with the Maple Leafs and is continuing to grow. Losing him would have ripped away a critical dimension from the team that wouldn’t be easy to replace.

2. Knies Brings Future Value to the Team

Fans are already predicting that Knies will command a hefty payday once he signs his first long-term contract, possibly in the $7-8 million range. With his skillset and role on the team, not signing him would be a significant misstep by management. His overall contributions have been crucial to the Maple Leafs’ success this season, and losing him could have hampered their long-term prospects.

3. Losing Knies Would Have Gambled Team Chemistry and Depth

The Maple Leafs’ recent trades (like giving up Fraser Minten and a first-round pick for Brandon Carlo and another first and Nikita Grebenkin for Scott Laughton) have stirred up some controversy. But, one thing is clear. Keeping Knies allowed the team to maintain its balance.

Rantanen could have helped boost the top six. However, Knies is already playing a key role in shaping the Maple Leafs’ identity. As the team continues to adjust and improve, Knies’ growth is something to build on.

4. Looking Ahead: The Future of the Maple Leafs’ Roster

Maple Leafs’ roster decisions will become even more crucial as contracts for key players like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly come into play. Keeping a player like Knies—who is on the rise—gives the team some much-needed flexibility moving forward.

The upcoming off-season promises to be full of tough choices, but Knies is one player who will certainly be part of the solution rather than part of a trade package.

The Bottom Line: Knies Remains a Maple Leafs Player

The decision to keep Matthew Knies instead of trading him for Mikko Rantanen might have been one of the most important moves the Maple Leafs made (or didn’t make) this season. While Rantanen would have undoubtedly made an impact, Knies’ youth, skill, and potential are critical to the team’s long-term success. The Maple Leafs are lucky they didn’t let him go.