Knies Reflects on Trade Before Leafs Reunion

Matthew Knies is set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time since being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets shortly before the 2026–27 season, with Kirill Marchenko among the key players going the other way. Knies said the trade came as a shock because it happened abruptly after training camp, though rumors about his departure had circulated for months; he wishes he had spent longer in Toronto and is focused on settling in with Columbus. He expects the reunion with former teammates to feel unusual but said his priority is winning, while also looking forward to catching up with players he did not get to speak with after the trade. Knies opened his Blue Jackets career with two goals and an assist, but has since managed only one assist in five games, as Columbus has also struggled to find consistency. Former teammate Auston Matthews has praised Knies’s work ethic and team-first approach, and said the young forward still has room to grow.