Maple Leafs Are on the Verge of Making a Major Mistake with Matthew Knies

Matthew Knies came into the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup a relative unknown for three games in 2022, then exploded onto the scene last year with a 35-point campaign, skating alongside superstars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner; making himself a household name for the Maple Leafs in such a short amount of time.

Going from the University of Minnesota to the NHL full-time in a matter of two years is an incredible accomplishment and there's no telling how much untapped potential Knies has.

But now it's the final year of his entry-level contract, and this season he's already looking like he's going to be a big-time factor in the Maple Leafs for a long time...if Toronto decides to re-sign him. Sure, it's silly to think that Toronto would forgo re-signing their top winger, especially considering his linemate is more than likely leaving at the end of the year, but contract negotiations have been tepid so far, even if previous indicators show Toronto was moving towards quickly retaining Knies.

It's understandable why Knies would want to wait regarding his deal, as contract extension talks could create a distraction, which is the last thing Knies and his agent want; especially since his contract relies heavily on production. Toronto should be privy to Knies' wants however should be trying to push the issue along as delicately as possible. It would be a huge mistake to wait around and hope that he'll take whatever deal they throw at him, and given what we saw this offseason with the Edmonton Oilers/St. Louis Blues offer sheet drama, Toronto cannot risk the same thing happening to them.

Given that Knies' agency recently signed one of their clients, Jake Neighbours, to a contract extension, look for Knies to get roughly the same deal as Neighbours is coming off a breakout season, meanwhile Knies is primed for one. Neighbours signed for $3.75M for two years, so expect Knies to get a deal along the lines of $3-4M depending on how well he does, and it's likely he could also be locked down long-term for a four-to-five-year deal worth roughly $14-18M which would be a steal if he becomes elite.

Toronto hasn't had a big-bodied, skilled forward the likes of Knies since what feels like the prime James van Riemsdyk days, and given how well he turned out for Toronto and the type of career he built (still doing damage even at 35) then the sky's seemingly the limit for Knies. If Toronto doesn't start getting a handle on Knies and his future with the club, he could be breaking through the glass ceiling with another club while Toronto loses out on yet another potential star.