The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly looked at one of the biggest trade options before the 2026 NHL Draft. Matthew Knies is under a long-term contract with Toronto, but reports say the team is listening to trade offers. Their high asking price shows they see the 23-year-old winger as one of their most valuable players.

Reports say the Leafs want another top-10 draft pick. One possible trade involved the Dallas Stars, who briefly had a chance to get a valuable first-round pick before another big trade fell through.

Seravalli tweeted, "As I've reported, #Leafs are seeking another Top 10 pick in 2026 #NHLDraft. Sources say Toronto and Dallas had talks about the 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."

The reported trade talks were connected to another deal with the Seattle Kraken. Dallas was expected to get the No. 7 overall pick from Seattle in a sign-and-trade deal for Jason Robertson. However, that trade did not happen.

Dallas saw Knies as a younger player who could replace some of Robertson's scoring. Knies is under contract with the Maple Leafs through the 2030-31 season and has a $7.75 million salary cap hit each year.

Reports say Toronto will only consider trading Knies if it gets a top draft pick or a top young player in return. That is why the No. 7 overall pick became an important part of the talks.

Jason Robertson's trade rejection changed the draft landscape

The same report also linked the situation to Jason Robertson's future with the Dallas Stars. Sportsnet reported that Robertson turned down a sign-and-trade deal to the Seattle Kraken.

Seattle reportedly offered him an eight-year, $120 million contract worth $15 million per season.

Seattle's trade package reportedly included the No. 7 overall pick. Dallas could have used that pick to trade for Matthew Knies from Toronto.

However, Robertson said no to the move, so the pick never went to Dallas. That ended the reported trade talks between the Stars and the Maple Leafs.

Robertson turned down interest from the St. Louis Blues, even though they were reportedly ready to offer multiple first-round picks.

Dallas is also keeping a close eye on its salary cap, with Mikko Rantanen currently holding the team's biggest contract at $12 million per season.

The reported trades did not happen, but Toronto is still looking for another top-10 draft pick. At the same time, the Maple Leafs want a big return for Matthew Knies. For now, he is expected to stay in Toronto unless the right offer arrives.

What do you think? Could another contender emerge with the kind of offer the Leafs have been waiting for? Comment down below. 

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Koushik Biswas