The Dallas Stars have a problem. Jason Robertson is likely walking, and they need a replacement. Their eyes have landed on Matthew Knies, the 23-year-old Maple Leafs forward who posted 124 points over the last two seasons. But Toronto isn’t making this easy.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Leafs are asking for a top-10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft as part of any deal for Knies. That’s not all. Sources told Seravalli the package would also need to include a roster player or two. The Stars are reportedly trying to flip the No. 7 overall pick they got from the Seattle Kraken to make it happen. Seravalli laid it out in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
“As I’ve reported, #Leafs are seeking another Top 10 pick in 2026 #NHLDraft. Sources say Toronto and Dallas had talks about Stars potentially flipping No. 7 overall from #SeaKraken in a deal for Matthew Knies to help replace Jason Robertson. All part of Thursday’s shrapnel.”
Why Toronto Has the Upper Hand
The Leafs don’t have to trade Knies. That’s the leverage. He’s signed through the 2030-31 season at a $7.75 million cap hit, and he’s only 23. General manager John Chayka has already publicly shut down trade rumors. So if Dallas wants him, they need to make an offer Toronto can’t refuse.
The Stars are the ones feeling the pressure. They’re losing a player of Robertson’s caliber, and finding a top-10 pick that satisfies Toronto is their problem, not the Leafs’. It’s a staring contest where one side already has what it wants.
Knies, a Phoenix native, was a second-round pick in 2021. He’s racked up 51 goals and 72 assists across 157 games. That kind of production at his age doesn’t grow on trees. Toronto can afford to be patient.
What’s Next
Dallas needs to either find another team willing to part with a high pick or sweeten the offer with a player Toronto actually wants. The draft is coming up and the clock is ticking. The Leafs, meanwhile, can sit back and wait. They’ve got the contract. They’ve got the leverage. And they’ve got a young forward who might be worth more than any offer Dallas can actually make.
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