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Maple Leafs-Sabres Matthew Knies trade rumor could shake up NHL with blockbuster deal

Maple Leafs-Sabres Matthew Knies trade rumor could shake up NHL with blockbuster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to look for a way to trade Matthew Knies.

The Buffalo Sabres just vacated a spot on the wing by sending Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade to the Washington Capitals.

Could they be a match?

At least one new rumor on Wednesday night thinks that to be the case.

MORE: It's time to ask a serious Matthew Knies question

Matthew Knies trade rumor

This is what NHL writer Marco D'Amico posted on X:

The Sabres just acquired the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Tuesday night by trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks.

It would make at least some sense for Buffalo to immediately turn around and trade that selection for someone more ready to contribute now.

Knies, a talented 23-year old winger, isn't going to diminish anytime soon. It's just a bit of an acceleration into a player ready for a top-six role, rather than someone still in need of some seasoning.

It'd certainly look like a win for Buffalo, and the Maple Leafs would have to do well with the new top-five pick to make it work out for them.

Gavin McKenna is still the favorite to go to the Leafs with the first overall pick. What happens after that could determine the short- and long-term future in Toronto.