NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers to Target Leafs' Matthew Knies via 'Aggressive' Offer Sheet

The Philadelphia Flyers have declared their rebuild complete, setting their sights on playoff contention for the 2025-26 NHL season. 

As they transition into a competitive mindset, rumors are heating up about a bold offseason move—one that could involve targeting Toronto Maple Leafs’ emerging power forward Matthew Knies with an offer sheet.

Could the Flyers Pursue Knies via Offer Sheet?

Flyers insider Kevin Kurz recently fueled speculation, suggesting GM Daniel Briere might consider leveraging an offer sheet this summer. Known for his creative and daring approach, Briere has already made unexpected moves in the past. 

A calculated offer sheet for Knies would signal Philadelphia’s willingness to take major risks to elevate their roster.

Knies, 22, enjoyed a breakout season with the Maple Leafs, solidifying himself as a top-six forward with a rare blend of size (6’3”, 227 lbs), physicality, and offensive skill—making him an ideal fit for the Flyers’ needs. 

While Toronto is expected to have roughly $27 million is cap space, their financial outlook is rather complex. With Mitch Marner and John Tavares both due for extension next summer, a high value offer sheet, potentially in the 8-9 million range from Philadelphia could severely strain the Leafs’ cap structure.

However, one major obstacle could derail Briere’s plan: reports indicate Knies is fully committed to staying in Toronto. The young winger, drafted and developed by the Maple Leafs, is said to have no interest in joining a rival team, even if presented with a lucrative offer.

Regardless, Briere’s reported interest underscores a new era for the Flyers—no longer passive observers but active contenders, ready to push the limits of the NHL’s restricted free agency market.

Image - Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn