Could Oilers and Maple Leafs Connect on a Knies and McDavid Trade? – The Hockey Writers –
There is nothing brewing, but the dots are almost too easy to connect. Based on the speculation surrounding Matthew Knies and this season’s trade deadline, and recent comments from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that Connor McDavid might be open to helping the Edmonton Oilers trade him (if their struggles continue), the fit might be there.
Yes, it sounds wild, but think about it. The Maple Leafs don’t want to move Knies unless a team overpays to get him. The Oilers don’t want to move McDavid at all, but if they have to, they’ll want a franchise piece in return.
Why Would the Maple Leafs Move Knies?
Recent clarifications from insiders like Darren Dreger and Chris Johnston indicate that Knies is not being actively shopped. During this season’s trade deadline, the questions that came Toronto’s way were more of a what-if style.
Johnston noted that while teams inquired about Knies, Toronto never got close to finalizing a deal. The situation was more a matter of other GMs exploring scenarios rather than real negotiations. But if McDavid was part of those talks, you can bet that Toronto would do more than listen.
Related: Knies to Canadiens Rumor Gets Significant Update
Knies’ lack of trade protection and his value as one of Toronto’s most important young forwards naturally make him a piece the Maple Leafs could trade, if they ever wanted to make a drastic move. Nothing ever reached the point of serious movement, but the door is open to revisit things again in the offseason.
What About the McDavid Trade Talk?
According to Pierre LeBrun, McDavid’s team-friendly two-year extension signed last fall wasn’t necessarily a long-term commitment to Edmonton beyond the 2027-28 season. He writes:
“It is important as a matter of clarification to understand the context of No. 97 signing that team-friendly, two-year extension last fall. It did not necessarily mean he was signing it to be on the Edmonton Oilers through the 2027-28 season. My understanding is that the most likely scenario was that McDavid was giving the Oilers this season and next to try and win a championship and then it was decision time again in the summer of 2027 as to where everything stood.”
source – ‘The NHL trade deadline may not have delivered, but it sets up a potentially explosive summer’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 03/09/2026
If the Oilers flame out in the playoffs, McDavid may reassess his future, potentially creating a scenario where Edmonton could move its superstar. It has long been believed that Toronto (in his home province) would be on his short list of landing spots.
Would the Oilers Or Maple Leafs Do This Deal?
From a Toronto perspective, the Maple Leafs would give almost anything to get McDavid. The question becomes, would Edmonton do this?
The reality for the Oilers is that they’ll lose a McDavid deal regardless; you can’t trade the best player in the world and win the trade. The best Edmonton can do is try to acquire several pieces that would help the team moving forward. Knies is a good place to start.
If McDavid were to signal a potential departure in 2027, a team like Toronto could have the assets and young talent to make a deal compelling for Edmonton. Knies is signed to a long-term team-friendly contract. Beyond that, Toronto has other enticing pieces, including but not limited to Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and multiple picks.
While it remains purely hypothetical, the idea of McDavid in Toronto—or Knies in Edmonton—offers plenty of fodder for discussion.
This is really a discussion for the offseason, and it will be based on how well or how poorly the Oilers do down the stretch. McDavid is focusing on competing in Edmonton’s current Cup window, and Knies is continuing to develop with the Maple Leafs. For both teams, things this season haven’t gone according to plan.
With a high-stakes summer ahead, fans in both cities may want to keep a close eye on these names. “So file that away,” writes LeBrun.
