Blackhawks eye Tuch and Robertson as Leafs hold firm on Knies

The Chicago Blackhawks have expressed interest in pending UFA Alex Tuch or possibly Jason Robertson should he become available according to reports from June 13.

Blackhawks pursue forward additions

Matt Marchese stated on The Fan Hockey Show that pending UFA Alex Tuch would suit the Blackhawks well. Elliotte Friedman confirmed Chicago would also pursue Jason Robertson if Dallas ever made him available. Tuch enters free agency at age 30 after posting a $4.75 million cap hit in 2025-26 with Buffalo. Robertson at age 26 recorded 45 goals and 96 points in 82 games during the same season while carrying a $7.75 million cap hit on his expiring deal.

The two targets differ sharply in age and contractual status. Tuch offers immediate unrestricted availability while Robertson would require a substantial trade package from Dallas before any Chicago pursuit. Both players supply size and scoring that align with Chicago’s rebuilding timeline.

Blackhawks management contrasts this approach with Toronto’s retention strategy. Acquiring either forward would accelerate Chicago’s contention window without surrendering first-round assets for a rental.

Leafs reject Knies trade talk

Frankie Corrado on the Jay Onrait Show emphasized that Matthew Knies remains untouchable for Toronto. The 23-year-old forward signed a six-year $46.5 million extension in June 2025 carrying a $7.75 million annual cap hit through 2031. Corrado noted Knies played without Mitch Marner last season yet still projects for greater production given his physical profile.

The Leafs endured an analytically poor 2025-26 campaign across the roster. Knies at 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds provides a unique brand of play that Corrado argued would be difficult to replace even with a large return.

Toronto holds Knies under team control far longer than comparable assets. Moving him now would force the organization to locate another player with identical size, physicality, and age profile.

Forward market implications for 2026-27

A Blackhawks acquisition of Tuch would immediately add a 30-year-old right-shot winger already familiar with playoff hockey. Robertson’s potential availability hinges on Dallas extending him beyond his current qualifying offer of $9.3 million.

The Leafs decision to retain Knies preserves cap flexibility at $7.75 million through his age-28 season. Chicago’s interest signals a summer focus on established scorers rather than further draft accumulation.

By July 2027 the Blackhawks could add a 30-goal forward while the Leafs retain Knies on a deal carrying a $7.75 million cap hit until age 28.