Kent Hughes Explores Trade for Matthew Knies
Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, reportedly explored a trade for 23-year-old power forward Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs just before the trade deadline on March 9, 2026. The Canadiens were in discussions to acquire a mystery player, which has not been confirmed, but Knies’ name surfaced as a potential target.
Matthew Knies has had a notable season, scoring 16 goals and providing 35 assists, totaling 51 points in 61 games. His performance includes an average ice time of 18:45 per night and 122 hits, showcasing his physical presence on the ice. Knies is under contract with a cap hit of $7.75 million through the 2030-31 season.
The proposed trade for Knies did not materialize before the deadline, a situation that is not uncommon in the fast-paced environment of NHL trades. A trade between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs is considered rare, adding to the intrigue surrounding the discussions.
Hughes is expected to revisit trade discussions in the summer, as the Canadiens have a deep prospect pool and significant draft capital. This could provide them with the leverage needed to pursue Knies or other players to enhance their roster.
Nick Kypreos, a sports analyst, mentioned, “[Knies’] name was out there with multiple teams… I’m not confirming anything, I’m just telling you that’s the word and that’s the feel going into this week that if there was something with Kent Hughes going on, a lot of people are…” This indicates that Hughes was actively seeking ways to improve the team.
Another analyst, Nicolas Cloutier, noted, “There’s a name that’s circulating behind the scenes regarding the Habs’ big file. But it’s not likely to come out.” This suggests that while discussions were ongoing, the specifics may remain under wraps.
As the Canadiens look to strengthen their lineup, the identity of the mystery player they nearly acquired remains unconfirmed. Furthermore, whether the Canadiens will successfully revisit trade discussions for Knies in the summer is uncertain.
Overall, Kent Hughes continues to navigate the complexities of roster improvement, with the potential for future trades that could reshape the Canadiens’ lineup.
