Matthew Knies trade speculation heats up again after new update from Renaud Lavoie

Matthew Knies is once again at the center of trade speculation, and this time it's coming from a familiar voice.

Renaud Lavoie brought up the Toronto Maple Leafs winger during his morning segment on BPM Sports, noting that his name is still floating around the rumor mill even as training camp gets underway.

Lavoie said a trade involving Knies remains a real possibility, though he was careful to add that fans in Montreal probably shouldn't get their hopes up about him actually landing with the Canadiens.

It's a notable distinction given just how often Montreal has been connected to Knies over the past several months.

The Arizona native is coming off a career year, posting 23 goals and 66 points across 79 games last season while playing a key role in Toronto's top six.

He's only entering the second season of a six year deal worth $46.5 million, so any team that lands him would be getting a young, cost controlled power forward for the long haul.

Knies has been part of trade chatter dating back to last season's deadline, when Montreal was reportedly among the suitors before talks fell apart late.

Buffalo and San Jose have also been mentioned as interested parties at various points, keeping his name in circulation well beyond a single rumor cycle.

Toronto's front office, now led by John Chayka, has publicly maintained they're not actively shopping Knies but will listen if the right offer comes along.

With camp underway and the season fast approaching, it won't take long to find out whether this latest round of speculation leads anywhere or simply fades like the ones before it.

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