Matthew Knies welcomes fresh start with Blue Jackets after trade
The former Maple Leafs winger said months of trade rumours had weighed on him before Monday’s move to Columbus.
Matthew Knies said he is ready for a fresh start with the Columbus Blue Jackets after months of trade rumours followed him in Toronto.
The 23-year-old winger was traded Monday to Columbus in the deal that sent Kirill Marchenko to the Maple Leafs. Speaking to reporters at his introductory news conference Tuesday, Knies said he was “glad that's put to bed and I get a new, fresh start in Columbus,” according to Sportsnet.
Knies said he had just returned home from practice when he learned of the deal. He expected a move might happen eventually but was surprised by its timing. The recurring rumours had “hung over my head for a little bit,” he said.
The clubs announced that Columbus also received Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. Toronto acquired Marchenko, Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins.
Knies had 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games last season, according to the Blue Jackets. Columbus opens its regular season Thursday against Buffalo.
