Insider reveals Matthew Knies' level of availability in the trade market
During Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada coverage, Elliotte Friedman touched on the situation between the Leafs and the Blackhawks revolving around the trade that never was; Brandon Hagel and Marc-Andre Fleury for Petr Mrazek, Matthew Knies and a 1st round pick.
Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was obviously frustrated with the Blackhawks, and GM Kyle Davidson in particular, for allowing their trade proposal to the Leafs leaked publicly, especially because it wasn't something the Leafs weren't even entertaining.
During the 32 Thoughts segment at the second intermission on HNIC, Friedman stated that the Leafs view Matthew Knies as the type of prospect who is as close to untouchable as you'll find. Friedge elaborated, stating that it was Chicago who brought up Knies' name and that the Leafs were never intending on trading the 19-year-old - especially in a deal for a 37-year-old rental goalie.
Friedman also suggested that the reason that Dubas was so frustrated is because of the human side of things. Obviously, if a player or prospect is not being shopped or if a GM is not even listening to offers on them, it's unethical to leak the player or prospect's name.
In the age of social media, things have a way of getting around pretty quickly. We've seen on a number of occasions, players finding out they had been traded or that their name is involved in rumours from social media or from friends and family members who are active on social media, rather than from the organizations who employ them.
It was irresponsible of the Blackhawks organization to allow something like that to get out, and Friedman wanted to emphasize the fact that Knies was never going anywhere.
This kid has all the tools to be a special player in the National Hockey League. It will be interesting to see how soon after his NCAA season begins that he signs his ELC with the Leafs. It is expected that he'll be given an NHL audition at some point before the end of the season.
| POLL | ||
MARS 26 | 309 ANSWERS Insider reveals Matthew Knies' level of availability in the trade market Where do you rank Matthew Knies in terms of Toronto's top prospects? | ||
| #1 | 200 | 64.7 % |
| #2 behind Robertson | 36 | 11.7 % |
| #3 behind Robertson and Niemela | 31 | 10 % |
| Lower than the 3rd ranked prospect | 42 | 13.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
