Montreal Canadiens Set to Sign Mathew Knies from Toronto Maple Leafs Following Undisclosed Blockbuster Trade Deal; Announcement to be Made in few days.
Montreal, QC – May 28, 2025 – In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the NHL and igniting one of hockey’s fiercest rivalries, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly finalizing a blockbuster deal to acquire Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mathew Knies.
The trade, which has been kept tightly under wraps, is expected to be officially announced within the next few days, sources close to the organization have confirmed.
The details of the trade remain confidential, but insiders suggest the deal involves a combination of draft picks, prospects, and at least one roster player moving to Toronto in exchange for the 22-year-old American forward. While neither club has confirmed the transaction, both fanbases are buzzing with speculation and anticipation.
Knies, who was drafted 57th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2021, has become one of Toronto’s most promising young stars. Known for his physicality, puck protection, and net-front presence, he tallied 49 points (22 goals, 27 assists) in the 2024-25 season, establishing himself as a key component of the Leafs’ forward corps.
If the move is finalized, Knies would immediately become one of the top young players in the Canadiens’ rebuilding core. The acquisition is seen by many as a major statement by Montreal GM Kent Hughes, who has been cautiously building a new competitive roster around key talents like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský.
“This could be a seismic shift for both organizations,” said one Eastern Conference executive who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Knies is the kind of player who can be a foundational piece. If Montreal landed him, they’ve pulled off something big.”
The secrecy surrounding the deal has led to a flurry of online speculation. Some fans believe defenseman Kaiden Guhle or top prospect Lane Hutson may have been involved, though others argue Montreal would be reluctant to part with either.
Toronto fans, meanwhile, are anxiously awaiting clarity on what they’ve received in return—and whether this marks the beginning of a new direction under their recently restructured front office.
Adding more intrigue is the historical context: trades between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs are exceedingly rare, especially involving players of Knies’ caliber. If completed, this would be one of the most significant deals between the two rivals in modern memory.
As of Tuesday afternoon, neither team has issued a statement. However, multiple sources indicate the paperwork is nearly finalized and a joint press conference could be held before the end of the week.
For now, fans will have to wait—but the implications are already reverberating. If Mathew Knies dons the bleu-blanc-rouge next season, the Battle of Ontario may never look the same again.