The Penguins should keep this Maple Leafs forward on their radar this off-season.
One of the Pittsburgh Penguins' top goals this off-season should be to improve their forward group. One specific need they have is another top-six winger, so it would not be surprising if they looked to land one this summer.
Due to this, one player who the Penguins should seriously consider making a push for this off-season is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies.
Knies generated trade interest around the league leading up to this season's trade deadline, and it would be understandable if teams kicked tires on him again this summer. With Knies being 23 years old and a proven top-six forward, he would have the potential to be a perfect addition for the Penguins if acquired.
If the Penguins acquired Knies from the Maple Leafs, he could slot very nicely on their first line with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust. He would also give them another impactful forward to work with on their power play, which is a real need.
Knies would also be a long-term part of the Penguins' core if acquired. This is because he has a $7.75 million cap hit until the end of the 2030-31 season.
Ultimately, with the Penguins taking a nice step in the right direction this season, Knies could be the perfect kind of young player for them to add. It would take a big offer for Toronto to even consider dealing him, but he would be an excellent pickup for Pittsburgh.