The Chicago Blackhawks have lots of options when it comes to the off-season. The draft, free agency, and trades are all ways for Kyle Davidson to improve the roster before the sport goes mostly idle for the summer. 

A report that came out on Tuesday from ESPN suggested that the Chicago Blackhawks are still interested in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, and they would be willing to move the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. 

If the Hawks made a move like this to acquire Knies, regardless of what it costs, he would instantly make the team better both on and off the ice. 

For one, despite being just 23 years old, Knies has some big-game experience under his belt. He played a big role on some good teams at the University of Minnesota, and every year with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a playoff year except for this past one. 

In 2024-26, the Leafs lost in seven games to the eventual champion Florida Panthers in the second round. It was an emotional roller coaster for Knies and his teammates, which will be a long-term learning lesson. His five goals and two assists in 15 playoff games showed great postseason ability, despite being one of the younger contributors on the team. 

That familiarity with big moments could make him a great asset around the young Blackhawks players who haven't experienced much in the NHL. 

In addition to this leadership that Knies can provide off the ice, he is an incredibly good player on the ice. He missed Mitch Marner in 2025-26, but he still had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points in 79 games played.

As Knies continues to improve and develop, he would be perfect alongside Connor Bedard on the top line. They are both capable of scoring goals and making plays, which may allow them to feed off each other well. 

The Maple Leafs won't trade Matthew Knies for just anything, especially knowing that they still have Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and the number one overall pick coming in, but the Blackhawks do have the assets needed to make a move of this caliber. 

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