Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 5, 2026
It’s an all-Maple Leafs edition of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup. Check out the ongoing speculation involving winger Matthew Knies and defenseman Morgan Rielly, plus the latest on their GM search.
SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently reported that Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies continues to come up in trade rumors even though the Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving last week.
One source told Kypreos that Treliving’s asking price for Knies was one of three options: two first-round picks and a high-end prospect; one first-rounder and two high-end prospects; or three high-end prospects.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).
Kypreos claimed the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens were among the teams involved in those talks. He also said a big problem for those clubs was how late the asking price was set before the March trade deadline.
It remains to be seen what Treliving’s replacement will do regarding Knies. They could pick up those talks, or they could hang onto Knies and reassure the big winger that he’ll play an important role in the re-tooling of the roster.
During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Kypreos’ colleague Elliotte Friedman believes the Maple Leafs and Canadiens were discussing Knies, “even though everyone’s denying it.”
He doesn’t believe Canadiens prospect center Michael Hage was part of it, but he thinks a lot of people suspect he was because Keith Pelley, the president of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, mentioned the young prospect during his press conference last week.
BARN BURNER PODCAST: TSN’s Darren Dreger said the Maple Leafs were in trade discussions with the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens before the deadline. However, he doesn’t know whether Knies would likely have been traded.
Dreger mentioned that it’s believed Treliving spoke with the Canadiens about Hage and with the Sabres about prospect defenseman Radim Mrtka. Those were two names that Pelley mentioned in his presser last week.
TVA SPORTS: referenced Dreger saying the Canadiens and Sabres weren’t happy with Pelley for mentioning Hage and Mrtka. He pointed out that those two players have been mentioned in trade rumors for some time.
Dreger believes everything points to Hage being a big part of the Canadiens’ future. However, he also thinks rival general managers have pulled out all the stops to try to acquire him in a major trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conflicting reports all around about whether the Leafs were entertaining trade offers for Knies before the deadline and which players were being offered up for him. Mrtka was mentioned as part of a failed trade between the Sabres and St. Louis Blues that would’ve sent him to St. Louis for Colton Parayko, who used his no-trade clause to spike that deal.
Whatever the truth, Kypreos is right when he said it will be up to Treliving’s replacement to decide if they will revisit those discussions or keep Knies for the retooling process.
SPORTSNET: Kypreos also wondered what the future would hold for long-time Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. He claimed that “many industry sources” believe the club will be looking at various options to move on from the 32-year-old blueliner.
Rielly has four years left on his contract and a full no-movement clause. A contract buyout is unlikely because of the remaining term. Kypreos expects they’ll try to convince the veteran rearguard to waive his clause for a “creative trade and send him to a place of his liking.”
According to Kypreos, teams see in Rielly a “good and serviceable player” who could be rejuvenated with the right team. However, the Maple Leafs might have to retain up to half of his $7.5 million average annual value, and perhaps add a sweetener like a draft pick.
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Rielly is uneasy about his future in the wake of the changes in the Maple Leafs’ front office. There has to be an expectation on his part that he will be asked to consider waiving his no-movement clause.
Koshan doesn’t rule out a contract buyout, which would be at two-thirds the remaining value of Rielly’s contract over twice the remaining term. He pointed out that a buyout would save the Maple Leafs $4 million in each of the next four years, with the buyout cap hit in the final four years at $2 million annually.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly could still have value to other clubs, but it’s doubtful they’ll want to take on the full remaining value of his contract. For the Leafs, it could come down to which move makes the most sense for their long-term salary-cap payroll.
If they retain half of his AAV, that’s $3.75 million annually against their cap through 2029-30. However, a buyout will drag on for eight years, even with those savings mentioned by Koshan. That’s a long time to carry dead cap space.
SPORTSNET (VIA KUKLA’S KORNER) Elliotte Friedman provided an update on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ search for a new general manager.
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has been linked to the Maple Leafs, but Friedman believes the timing doesn’t seem right.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong is set to hand over the management reins to Alexander Steen at the end of this season. However, he’s under contract with the Blues as their team president, meaning the Maple Leafs would have to seek permission from Blues ownership to speak with him.
Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta is expected to be among those on the Maple Leafs’ list.
Interesting times in Toronto.
That could be said for a half dozen teams (probably your point) though, maybe not to this extent but close… Wings, Nucks, NYR, to name three…easy to name three more.
Maybe Gary is a genius…🤩
Calgary gives Pospisil, Vegas 1st and the NYR 2nd and Sens 2nd for Knies
Oh come on, Johnny! That’s ridiculous. That doesn’t even scratch the surface of what Treliving was asking for.
Ok, Calgary gives Frost, 2026 and 2027 Vegas 1sts, and the 2027 Vegas 2nd
Now this should gain the Leaf’ attention!
Johnny Z
No chance Toronto takes that package, especially since CGY has asked for the moon from TOR in previous trade discussions.
If Knies is truly available there will be a bidding war for him. The return would be better than a 3C that’s topped out at 25 points and a few late round lottery tickets
The Leafs need to be realistic about their future. Trading Knies creates a large hole but will it really fill the others?
The Leafs need a RW to play on the first line. They need a true #1 defenceman.
They also need a coach that isn’t afraid to allow young players to play. Berube seems to be a coach that would rather lose with his vets than take a chance on young players. It’s why they lost Steeves as a UFA and Minten in trade because Berube would rather play the likes of Lorentz or Jarnkrok than a rookie like Minten.
Hey Johnny! haha I would do that deal in a heartbeat but I see Leafs getting better offers. What I think Conroy should pursue hard is a Florida deal. They look like they will hit the jackpot by getting to keep their 2026 pick, probably will be in the 7-8 range. This is a great opportunity to either get 1 real good future or stock up on a baron pipeline. I think a Vegas 1st, Ranger 2nd Vanc 3rd (will be like another late 2nd) & Zary at 50% for the 1st round pick. Flames have a lot of good prospects in the pipeline & Conroy needs to look at quality versus quantity. Gotta wonder if Zito would like to load the cupboards + get a young Zary at $1.65 mill for 2 more years. Knies would be awesome but we arent there yet.
Maybe the Leafs are going to appoint Hayley Wickenheiser as GM with some other people insulating her in that role?
Just a thought.
It makes more sense for the Leafs to buyout Rielly that to trade him while retaining half his salary and adding a draft pick or prospect since they have so few already.
In 4 years the cap will be much higher than it is now and that $2M will be equivalent to a fourth line player’s salary
It makes more sense to move Rielly down the line up than it does to trade him and retain half his salary. In two years his contract goes from NMC to a 10 team NTC.
I read somewhere that this site is always all about the Leafs. Oh wait. Lol.
I don’t see at this point of a Reilly buyout or retaining salary in a trade. The Leafs have plenty of cap space this year and no significant players that need a new contract. Coaches need to be disciplined and play him as a 3rd pairing defensemen. You can buy him out once you have to renew Matthews contract or when a significant free agent is available. The leafs should be not signing any free agent to significant dollars or term this summer.
I’ve always liked Reilly.Buying him out makes no sense. Not a Leafs fan but I’d keep him over McCabe and OEL. OEL has less term and partial ntc. More palatable cap hit for an interested team. He’s also older.
To Leafs: Raddysh, Vaakanainen.
To NYR: Reilly (50% retained) N Robertson. (bait to get his brother to sign OS)
Brother is a UFA not a RFA
Hmm, Robo is an RFA
Isles Eiserman or Atischson, 2 1st rounders for Knies
That might work out. Isles would sooner deal Aitcheson than Eiserman.
If the Habs were willing to trade Hage for Knies, the trade would have happened at the trade deadline.
LJ
You may be on to something but it would not have been a 1 for 1 swap.
What other pieces do you think would be involved? Not necessarily just from MTL.
It seems that rumours about Treliving were that he waited too long to make his trades and set his ask.
Hi Daryl: I understand why I came across as suggesting a 1 for 1, and agree the Leafs wouldn’t do it. What I meant was that if Hage were offered I believe the Leafs would have found a way to make the trade.
As for what the actual all in would be for Knies, I think Howard has given a pretty good answer with Zharovsky and two firsts. Any more, no thanks, I’d hold on to Zharovski and see if he is the missing piece with Kapanen and Demidov (or, Hage and Demidov).
Agreed LJ. Habs are not trading Hage.
As I’ve said before, the Leafs should not trade Knies, not even if Matthews and/or Nylander are moved out. He’s a good young player to rebuild around. Excuse me, retool.
Even if Knies is traded I doubt it would be in the division. But assuming it would be a possibility, I’d offer up Zharovsky and two firsts. It looks quite likely that the Habs first year will be near the bottom of the round. So can offer Zharovsky, this years first and lottery protected 2027 first.
If the Leafs would prefer a second prospect rather than a second first rounder, the Habs can offer up Beck, Roy or Pickford but I’m not sure that would be enough. Reinbacher would be a tough decision. I would trade him for the right deal but that might open up an organizational hole at RD. Engstrom might be a possibility.
Let’s bear in mind that this speculation comes from Kypreos. Not the best of sources. And also that the GM with whom Hughes allegedly had talks is no longer on the job.
LJ
Sorry, I didn’t mean you were suggesting it was a 1 for 1. Was more interested to know if Hage was the marquee name, who else would be added to seal the deal?
I simply meant that MTL would still have to add if they were willing to include Hage.
While Hage is a legitimate prospect, he’s yet to play an NHL game. Knies is a proven NHL power forward. You have to give to get.
Howard
Zharovsky is lighting it up in the KHL right now and would be an intriguing option at RW. However, he’s very slight for his size (163lbs) and I’m not sure trading a big guy like Knies for Zharovsky would help the Leafs.
I’m also not sure why they’d be looking at 1st round picks that are many years away from regular NHL duty. It’s not like they’re willing to play many of the kids they have.
I hope they’re not, but, if they’re trading Knies, take the best return regardless where it comes from.
True, Daryl, proven players and prospects both are just that.
But Nylander has come out and basically said he’s not into staying for a rebuild. So either the Leafs hold onto Knies, or they risk having Nylander want out. At that point they are into a rebuild. And then what about Matthews?
The Leafs have to pick their poison. I see no easy or quick path for them going forward.
And while you do indeed have to give to get I meant that don’t see the Habs trading Hage even for Knies. Prospect, yes, but he was excellent at the World Juniors and you know the difficulty acquiring centers.
Maybe we are going in circles.
Daryl, HockeyDB lists Zharovsky at 176. And remember he’s only 19 years old. He’ll fill out and add more muscle.
New York Islanders Fire Patrick Roy, Hire Peter DeBoer👍
Good move by Darche. DeBoer would have been in high demand this summer.
Agreed. Probably should have happened sooner
Ummm…..a lot of irrelevant talk about rumors that came to nothing.
A team with no GM and President.
The leafs are a team in a market where a complete tear down just will not fly with the fans or ownership.
Rumours from teams who are bitter rivals of the Leafs?? I think you have to question those right off the bat. Sounds like hockey “media” trying to create a story where none currently exists.
LJ
Sometimes going in circles gives enough time to come up with a solid plan.
Yes to your points about the trouble finding centres. I think MTL is pretty set at C for the time being. Same could be said about finding a cost controlled power forward too.
I honestly think if the Leafs are intent on listening on a player like Knies they don’t really have a solid plan.
They have loads of cap space but I don’t see many solid options via free agency. I can’t see them acquiring much with who is available to trade either. Players that might return solid players/prospects like Matthews, Nylander, Knies, and Tavares and possibly Will or Stolarz. There isn’t much after those players that other teams would target.
They’ve definitely backed themselves into a corner.
Yep. And not to pile on but they don’t have a first or a second round pick this coming draft either.
The Red Wings battled from 4-1 down today to tie the Wild. Then lost in a late PPG. Habs have clinched a playoff spot.
1. Morgan Rielly to Vancouver for 2nd round draft pick .
2. Nick Robertson to Detroit for 3rd round draft pick.
3. Anthony Stolarz to Edmonton for 2nd round pick.
4. Willliam Nylander yo Ottawa for Brady Tkachuk.
5. Craig Berube fired.
6. Bruce Cassidy hired as coach.
7. Mark Hunter hired as GM.
8. David Raddysh signed as UFA.
9. Alex Tuch signed as UFA.
10. Luke Schenn signed as UFA
I like Knies a lot but I wouldn’t trade any A prospects for him like Hage, Reinbacher or Zharovsky.
Habs are a young team with a 4-5 year window and those A prospects will be on the team during that window (or fail) .
I’d rather use lesser prospects or roster players to shore up RD on the bottom pairing. A banger who does PK, clears the crease, punishes the body, a prototypical 5-6 D
As good as Knies is, there are players on the roster now who do the physical part of the game aside from Josh Anderson.
Probably a surprise for most Hab fans, both Bolduc and Veleno have more hits than Anderson for the season and per game.
Knies- 146 hits 74 games
Anderson- 123 hits 67 games
Bolduc- 157 hits 74 games
Veleno- 143 hits 57 games
I believe the Utah Mammoth are best suited for a trade for Knies. They have the draft capital and mix of ages in their roster to make a package including a D, draft picks
I am surprised by the hits stats.
But I think the Habs need a 4th liner who can drop the gloves when necessary. Not a big fan of fights but do believe in some level of deterrence.
LJ
Here’s another Sammy Blais, 78 hits in 21 games.
Sammy Blais, Jared Davidson and Florian Xhekaj are willing and able to drop the gloves and can be added to the expanded playoff roster as needed.
Maybe but who would he replace? Crouse is the only logical one. They need a C more than anything else. One who wins the draws, kills penalties, plas 200ft game way more than another big body winger.