NHL trade rumor: Chicago Blackhawks linked to acquire Maple Leafs players Morgan Rielly and Matthew Knies in offseason trade

The Chicago Blackhawks have become a team to watch in the NHL offseason, with multiple trade rumors linking them to notable talents, one of those is Toronto Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly and Matthew Knies.

A few weeks back, the trade buzz around Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly surged following the shocking firing of GM Brad Treliving last week. The move has reignited speculation on a roster overhaul after the Leafs missed the NHL playoffs for the first time in a decade.

As Auston Matthews' name has already been dominating the trade rumor list, players like Matthew Knies and Morgan Reilly have also gained traction after a disappointing season in 2025-26.

According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Blackhawks have shown a strong interest in the young players and noted that Chicago could be a team willing to explore what it would take to acquire Knies and Rielly, as they are looking forward to acquiring young talent to rebuild the team.

Chicago Blackhawks linked to Matthews Knies and Morgan Rielly as trade targets for the NHL offseason

The Chicago Blackhawks could be gearing up for a bold season, with fresh reports linking them to top forwards Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly from the Toronto Maple Leafs as potential trade targets. This speculation was fueled following the termination of the Maple Leafs' GM for a disappointing season, and Chicago reportedly looking forward to rebuild with high-impact young players.

According to reports from NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, Chicago is exploring the possibility of adding a high-impact forward as part of its rebuilding push, and the team has previously shown interest in Knies, signaling a continued focus on acquiring young, top-six talent.

In fact, another insider, Elliotte Friedman, said that the Chicago Blackhawks are genuinely interested in this trade and may be it’s not just a rumor that they are planning to acquire Matthews Knies.

This speculation might come true as the Maple Leafs have consistently maintained that they will retool their roster during this offseason, and sources around the league suggest Knies is not available unless an overwhelming offer is presented.


However, defenseman Morgan Rielly has also been loosely connected to Chicago in trade discussions. While his experience and leadership could benefit the team, factors such as his contract structure and long-term fit can complicate his trade situation.

It is to be noted that Reilly has four more years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause for the next two seasons.

Despite the trade buzz, the trade scenario remains uncertain, as the feasibility of landing talented players like Knies or Rielly will depend heavily on market dynamics, players decisions, and the team priorities across the league.

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