Matthew Knies’ Toronto Maple Leafs tenure ended Monday in the blockbuster trade for Kirill Marchenko.
Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding the 23-year-old’s departure, addressing the media on Tuesday before Toronto’s season opener against Montreal.
Chayka explained why the organization included Knies in the package sent to Columbus in exchange for Marchenko, revealing how their final conversation unfolded.
“We’re big believers in consolidation, and felt like 10 dimes doesn’t equal a dollar kind of thing, and so for us as we build our roster, getting elite talent that can change the outcomes is an expensive thing to do, but we’re willing to pay for that,” Chayka said.
Added Chayka: “I apologized to him for the noise over the last several months. I don’t think it was necessarily fair to him. This was the only thing we seriously considered as a management group. You know, these things happen.
“He understands it’s something that happens. He’s a professional athlete and he’s a smart kid, but he took the news well. It’s a good young team he’s going to. I think it’s a good fit for him.”
Toronto sent Knies, Emil Andrae, Steven Lorentz and a 2027 second-round pick to Columbus for Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins and Miles Wood. The Leafs then signed Marchenko to a six-year, $75 million extension carrying a $12.5 million annual cap hit.
© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Knies leaves Toronto after producing a career-best 66 points last season. The forward had already spent months at the center of trade speculation before the new Leafs GM ultimately moved him.
Knies will remain under contract with the Blue Jackets through 2030-31 at a $7.75 million annual cap hit following the deal.
Toronto opens its season Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. ET.
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