Matthew Knies admitted he was “shocked and upset” after the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him to the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2026-27 NHL season.
Knies understood Toronto wanted to make changes after several disappointing seasons. However, he did not expect to leave the organization after spending three years with his teammates.
“I felt like it could happen to anyone, really,” Knies said. “I think in Toronto, they needed some turnover and needed to make some changes, and I was a part of that.”
“It came as a bit of a shock. I was obviously upset to leave those guys. I was with them for three years, so it sucks to leave that group.”
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Toronto traded Knies as part of a six-player blockbuster with Columbus. The Maple Leafs acquired Kirill Marchenko, Miles Wood and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, with Columbus retaining 18% of Merzlikins’ salary.
Matthew Knies quickly turns the page in Columbus
The Blue Jackets also received Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a 2027 second-round pick alongside Knies.
Marchenko immediately signed a six-year, $75 million extension with Toronto. Knies, meanwhile, arrived in Columbus with five seasons remaining on his six-year, $46.5 million contract.
The trade ended months of uncertainty surrounding Knies. Reports indicated Toronto had previously explored deals involving the 23-year-old forward.
Knies said leaving Toronto was difficult, but he also expressed excitement about joining Columbus. His early production has helped make the transition easier.
He opened his Blue Jackets career with two goals and an assist against the Buffalo Sabres. He then added another assist in his second game.
That gave Knies four points across his first two games and set a Blue Jackets franchise record.
His immediate impact does not erase the disappointment of leaving Toronto. However, it gives Knies a strong foundation with his new team.
For Columbus, the early returns suggest the blockbuster could benefit both sides. Knies now has an opportunity to take on a larger role and build his career in a new environment.
