Kent Hughes Explores Trade Options
Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, is reportedly exploring a trade for Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Matthew Knies. This development comes as the trade deadline approached on March 9, 2026, with Hughes looking to enhance the Canadiens’ roster.
Matthew Knies, a 23-year-old power forward, has had a notable season, scoring 16 goals and providing 35 assists, totaling 51 points in 61 games. He has also averaged 18:45 of ice time per night and recorded 122 hits this season. His current contract includes a cap hit of $7.75 million through the 2030-31 season.
Reports indicate that Knies’ name was circulating among multiple teams leading up to the trade deadline. Nick Kypreos noted, “[Knies’] name was out there with multiple teams… I’m not confirming anything, I’m just telling you that’s the word and that’s the feel going into this week that if there was something with Kent Hughes going on, a lot of people are…”
While Hughes reportedly explored a trade for Knies, the proposed deal did not materialize before the deadline. A trade between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs is considered rare, making this situation particularly noteworthy.
Hughes is expected to revisit trade discussions during the summer, as the Canadiens possess a deep prospect pool and significant draft capital. This could provide them with the necessary resources to pursue players like Knies more aggressively.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the identity of the mystery player the Canadiens nearly acquired at the trade deadline. However, there is a sense that the deal Hughes was working on was indeed with the Leafs, as Kypreos mentioned, “There is a sense that the deal [Kent Hughes] was working on was with the Leafs I can tell you [Matthew Knies’] name was out there with multiple teams.”
As the Canadiens continue to seek improvements, the potential for acquiring Knies remains a topic of interest among fans and analysts alike. The outcome of future trade discussions will be closely monitored as the summer approaches.