In the NHL, offsetting penalties are known as “the Gretzky rule” because, in the early 1980s, the Edmonton Oilers would intentionally take penalties to get to 4-on-4, and then Wayne Gretzky would dominate even more than he already did with the extra room on the ice. The NHL introduced offsetting penalties before the 1985–86 season to stop this strategy. I’d argue the Gretzky rule should also be: never trade your team’s best player, but maybe that’s why I’m not an NHL GM.
Trade details
The Toronto Maple Leafs were open to trading Matthew Knies before the 2026 NHL trade deadline, and apparently, they pretty much had him on the way out. I’d definitely argue that in the playoffs last year, Knies was the best player on the Leafs. Also, in a previous article, I mentioned that I believe Knies is one of three key pieces to build around as the Leafs look toward the future. Also, he would’ve been traded to the Montreal Canadiens.
Not only were the Leafs willing to part ways with one of their best players, but they had the deal done! Apparently, it wasn’t submitted by the 3 p.m. cutoff on trade deadline day. According to David Pagnotta, the Leafs and Habs had agreed on a trade. This deal would’ve sent Knies to Montreal in exchange for two first-round picks and two prospects. One of those prospects would’ve been Alexander Zharovsky. The Habs’ 2025 second-rounder had 42 points in 59 games this season in the KHL at 19 years old. Pagnotta used the word “complications” as an explanation for why the deal wasn’t done. The rumour is that the trade wasn’t submitted in time.
This deal is confusing, given that Knies signed a contract extension last summer and is under contract until 2031. On top of that, he’s only 23 years old. Knies is clearly a top-six forward and likely would be in any lineup around the league. The Leafs extended him for $7.75M, which in today’s NHL isn’t even that much (which is crazy to think about when you realize players back in the day had summer jobs while playing professional hockey). I’d argue Knies at under $8M AAV is an excellent contract, considering what he brings to the Leafs lineup every night.
Deja vu
Trading Knies would’ve been the most Leafs thing ever, especially when you think about the fact that former GM Kyle Dubas traded Nazem Kadri to Colorado due to his suspensions in the playoffs back-to-back years; also known as being traded for not being super skilled and soft. After being suspended in the playoffs in back-to-back years, Kadri was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, along with Calle Rosén and a 2020 3rd-round pick in exchange for Tyson Barrie, Alex Kerfoot, and a 2020 6th-round pick. For reference, the Leafs used that pick to select Joe Miller, who has played the past four seasons at Harvard. Trading Knies would’ve been Nazem Kadri-esque, and personally, I think they dodged a bullet.
Having said that, I can see both sides of this deal and why you would accept it. However, for me, it depends on who made the initial offer. Obviously, in March, we didn’t have the luxury of hindsight. At that point, the Leafs were potentially losing their first-round pick, so I can see why they were inclined to make this deal, with two first-round picks coming their way. However, today, knowing the Leafs have the number one pick, it’s a good thing the deal didn’t go through. Especially when you have a top prospect on the way joining Knies as a cornerstone to the Leafs’ future.
From a Habs perspective, would Matthew Knies have made a difference? Would the Habs have won the series against Carolina? I don’t think so; plus, two first-round picks and two prospects is a pretty hefty package for one guy, no matter who they are. I think Matthew Knies is a lot to give up, and so is the package Montreal was willing to give up. I don’t see a scenario where this trade gets rekindled.
It’s unclear whether the new management is as willing to part ways with Knies. If I were a Leaf fan, I’d hope not. I said in a recent article that this offseason, Knies, Easton Cowan, and Ben Danford are the only ones who are untouchable. However, as Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin said, “Wayne Gretzky got traded; no one is untouchable.”
