The Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly very close to making one of the most important trades of the 2026 NHL trade deadline. More than a year after rumors linked Matthew Knies to the Montreal Canadiens, new information suggests the trade almost happened.

According to NHL analyst David Pagnotta, the Montreal Canadiens contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs late on trade deadline day with a major offer involving Knies. The NHL Rumour Report, on their X account, posted Pagnotta’s report

"David Pagnotta: Re Matthew Knies blockbuster: The Canadiens approached the Leafs late in the day on deadline day about the move, which Toronto accepted, but the Leafs were unable to get the trade filed ahead of the 3pm ET deadline - Fourth Period (6/4)."

The report gained more attention when Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the situation on a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast.

"I think the deal involved Knies," Friedman said. "As I heard it, it was something similar to that."

Friedman also explained why the trade fell apart even though both teams appeared to have agreed on the deal.

"What I heard is the reason it didn't happen was it was submitted at 3:01," Friedman explained.

The NHL trade deadline was set for 3:00 p.m. ET, and the deal missed the deadline by only a few moments, preventing it from being completed.

Now, the new details add another interesting twist to one of the NHL’s biggest trade deadline stories. Especially because Matthew Knies has become such an important part of the Leafs’ future.

Why the Matthew Knies Deal Appears Cold Now?

Although Montreal may still be interested in trading for Knies, a lot has changed in the Maple Leafs organization since those talks reportedly happened. The biggest change came in Toronto’s front office. 

General manager Brad Treliving, who was in charge during those discussions, was fired on March 30. With a new management group now leading the team, Friedman believes the old trade framework is no longer likely to happen.

"I think it's possible Montreal wants to revisit it, but I don't believe it will happen," Friedman said. "I think that deal is off the table now."

Knies has been a key player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is in the second year of his six-year deal, earning $7.75 million per year. Last season, he scored 23 goals and scored 66 points in 79 games, proving how important he is to the Maple Leafs.

The two old rivals almost made a huge trade, but they missed the deadline by just one minute. That one minute may have changed the future of both teams forever.

What are your thoughts? How different do you think the Maple Leafs and Canadiens would look today if this trade had gone through at the deadline?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi