Quinn Hughes for Matthew Knies trade proposal leaves TSN analysts at odds

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been yearning for a puck-moving defenseman who can actually get some points, while also limiting mistakes in the defensive zone.

Sure, Morgan Rielly is producing this season, but his defensive numbers have been abysmal. The Maple Leafs keep losing, and while the team could use a top-six forward, it has become clear that their defense is the weakest link on the roster.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is reportedly unhappy with his team's predicament. Despite his sensational play, the team is still bad and is hanging around the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

There is this sense that he could demand a trade soon, and if he does, the entire league will be gunning for him. Of course, most expect him to go to the New Jersey Devils to play with his brothers. Although based on need, the Toronto Maple Leafs have become a viable option in the Hughes sweepstakes.

During a segment on TSN 1050's "OverDrive," Bryan Hayes, Jamie McLennan, and Jeff O'Neill debated the idea of the Maple Leafs acquiring Hughes and what it would take to do so.

Hayes immediately brought up Matthew Knies, who has 22 points in 19 games this season. In his mind, trading Knies for Hughes is a no-brainer and he would do it in a heartbeat.

As you can imagine, the rest of the "OverDrive" panel wasn't so sure that this was a good idea. After all, Knies is becoming a blue-chip player for the Leafs franchise.

The Quinn Hughes rumors have been percolating since last season, so none of this should be a surprise to Vancouver Canucks fans, who are suffering right now.

In 18 games this season, Hughes has 21 points, making him the best defenseman in the entire NHL. He is going to the Olympics this year, and it will allow him to socialize with players from other teams and perhaps even make a decision on where he wants to go next.

If the Canucks continue to lose, we imagine that these rumors are only going to continue. As for the Leafs' role in all of this, it's hard to say what's going to happen. This is going to be one of those wait-and-see situations for the entire league.