No big trades went down around the NHL on Thursday, but it was still a chaotic night full of news.
The number one storyline came out of Dallas, as the Stars reportedly had a trade in place to send Jason Robertson to the Seattle Kraken, who were willing to offer an eight-year, $120 million contract ($15 million annually) to the superstar winger.
There was a problem, however, as Robertson wasn’t interested in signing with the Kraken, nixing a potential blockbuster. Soon after, insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the trade between Dallas and Seattle would have then allowed the Stars to possibly flip the seventh overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies. It ultimately all fell apart due to Robertson’s unwillingness to go to the Emerald City.
“As I’ve reported, #Leafs are seeking another Top 10 pick in 2026 #NHLDraft. Sources say Toronto and Dallas had talks about Stars potentially flipping No. 7 overall from #SeaKraken in a deal for Matthew Knies to help replace Jason Robertson. All part of Thursday’s shrapnel.
Sources said #Leafs ask for Knies has included a Top 10 pick along with roster player(s) in a multi-faceted package. If they’re going to move Knies, it’s going to be for a true haul. Or they’re going to have to soften the ask to get into the Top 10,”
The 26-year-old Robertson is an RFA, having played out his four-year, $31 million contract extension signed with the Stars in 2022. Knies, 23, on the other hand, has five years remaining on the six-year, $46.5 million extension he signed with the Maple Leafs just last June.
Robertson to Seattle, Knies to Dallas, and the seventh overall pick to Toronto would have shook up the leagye, but instead, we’re all still sitting around waiting to see what happens next.
Neither player has to be traded, but at this point, given how much noise there has been around both being on the move, it feels as if Robertson and Knies may be finding new homes in the near fututre.
