This suggested Blackhawks-Maple Leafs blockbuster isn’t worth it

A suggested trade idea involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks has been making the rounds. The idea, in particular, entails Matthew Knies heading to Chicago in exchange for the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

On the surface, the idea may not seem so brainless. We’ve already explored the idea of the Blackhawks trading their first-round pick. However, the deal, as suggested by insider David Pagnotta, is not something that would actually help the Blackhawks.

The whole idea of the Blackhawks trading their 2026 first-rounder is to gain a significant piece or pieces to help the club continue to develop, but sending the pick, plus other pieces, for one player just isn’t worth it.

Perhaps a one-for-one swap could move the needle. But is that something the Maple Leafs would want to do?

They know how valuable Knies could be to other teams, including Chicago. So, they won’t be parting ways with the 23-year-old forward just for the sake of it. Unless the Blackhawks can talk the Leafs into actually sending a little something extra for that fourth-overall pick, then the conversation might not be worth anyone’s while.

Blackhawks could certainly use Knies

It’s worth pointing out that Matthew Knies would certainly be useful to the Blackhawks. He’s a power forward who could fit in very nicely alongside Connor Bedard. The duo could elevate the club’s scoring.

In fact, why not round out that top line with someone like Anton Frondell? Such a line could terrorize opposing defenses.

The rest of the lineup could sort itself out much more easily. Bumping Tyler Bertuzzi to the second line with Frank Nazar would be such a bad idea. Plus, there might also be enough cap room to find another piece out there to round out the top six.

That said, the Blackhawks would do well to shop around. While players like Knies don’t come around every day, there might be other options out there. Such options may not come at such a prohibitive price.

But there is one thing to consider. There comes a point where rebuilding teams have to pull the trigger on deals to take them to the next level. This could be one of those deals. So, it would behoove Kyle Davidson to at least look into it.

Who knows, the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs may have a hockey trade lined up somewhere. But as far as sending the fourth-overall pick for Knies, well, that just isn’t worth it.

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