Toronto Maple Leafs pursue top‑10 draft pick amid Matthew Knies trade talks

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2026 NHL Draft with the first overall pick, expected to select winger Gavin McKenna. General manager John Chayka has rejected several trade offers for that pick and is actively seeking an additional top‑10 selection. Trade discussions have centered on using forward Matthew Knies as a bargaining chip, with reports of talks involving the Dallas Stars (a No. 7 pick from Seattle), the Buffalo Sabres (the No. 4 pick originally from Chicago), and the San Jose Sharks (a potential No. 2 pick).

The Leafs have already made sign‑and‑trade moves, acquiring defenseman Darren Raddysh, defenseman Emil Andrae and goaltender Sam Ersson from the Flyers, and continue exploring deals for players such as Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli. Insider Elliotte Friedman noted the franchise is “going for it” over the next two seasons, aiming to win the Stanley Cup before captain Auston Matthews' contract expires.

While rumors suggest a possible exchange of Knies for a high draft pick—Sid Seixeiro even mentioned trading Knies for the No. 4 pick to acquire prospect Chase Reid—the Leafs have so far kept Knies on their roster and have not finalized any of the speculated deals.