Wild proposition involving Matthew Knies and Quinn Hughes creating an intriguing discussion
A wild proposition has been brought forward involving Leafs star Matthew Knies and Canucks star Quin Hughes and it's an interesting topic of discussion.
The Maple Leafs are in the midst of a down season and are in desperate need of a major shakeup, currently sitting dead last in the conference with a record of 9-10-3.
Injuries a huge factor in down season for the Leafs, but that's not the only issue
While the Maple Leafs have dealt with a plethora of injuries to key players to start the 2025-26 season, that's not the only reason for their struggles.
While the deep is deeper on paper this season, the Maple Leafs' lack of effective depth has been on full display up and down the lineup.
Since the departure of superstar winger Mitch Marner, the forwards brought in to replace him haven't exactly performed, and the defence has looked out of place all season.
A new proposition involving Quinn Hughes and Matthew Knies could be the answer
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly looking to offload some veterans, and while they are open for business, the jury is still out on whether they'll even entertain the idea of moving Quinn Hughes. The early belief is that he's not available, but you never know.
On TSN's OverDrive radio show on Tuesday, Bryan Hayes shared the opinion that the Maple Leafs should do whatever it takes to acquire star defenseman Quinn Hughes if he becomes a trade option, even if that means trading young winger Matthew Knies.
"Quinn Hughes is a legit top-5 or 6 player in the world... I think he's one guy that you kind of make the exception, because we're talking about [two years]. I think you do trade a 22-year-old stud for him... Let's say the Leafs are really rocking right now and it's going to cost you Matthew Knies, I'm doing it. I'm doing that plus the picks and prospects, because that's how good Quinn Hughes is."
Matthew Knies+ for Quinn Hughes would help the team
He also carries a favourable cap hit of $7.85 million per season for the next two years, which is extremely affordable for what he provides.
On the other end, 23-year-old Matthew Knies is an incredible talent in his own right and is in the midst of a career season.
Knies has recorded 22 points in 19 games and has been one of the lone bright spots in what has otherwise been an abysmal season.
Hughes also brings an organizational need to the table, he's an elite right shot defender, while Knies is a winger -- a position the Maple Leafs have more depth at. They could really use a blueliner, though.
What should the Maple Leafs do next?
For now, we have to assume that Hughes is unavailable, but if he does become available, if the Leafs were to dangle Knies+, the Canucks would certainly listen, though the deal would be very tough to work out.
Given the cost certainty of Knies, the elite status of Hughes and the fact that they're both unicorns, a deal is certainly complicated. Their teams both value them greatly and will not want to feel like they're getting the raw end of the deal. Still, this one is very interesting to think about and well within the realm of possibility if the Canucks do decide to move Quinn Hughes.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
| POLL |
NOVEMBRE 25 | 1091 ANSWERS Wild proposition involving Matthew Knies and Quinn Hughes creating an intriguing discussion Would you trade Matthew Knies+ for Quinn Hughes? |
| Yes | 446 | 40.9 % |
| No | 645 | 59.1 % |
| List of polls |