Matthew Knies and Maple Leafs Enter Critical Stage of Contract Negotiations
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to work diligently on making sure that breakout star Matthew Knies isn't approached this summer with an offer sheet.
With Toronto heading into the summer with Mitch Marner headed out of town, all focus now turns on a new star that has emerged for the team, that being Matthew Knies.
A unique blend of scoring, speed, and physicality, Knees s poised to become a huge impact player for the Leafs going forward, and could potentially be one of their greats at the end of it.
Matthew Knies And Maple Leafs Working Towards Extension: Friedman
But that requires him sticking around long-term, and he's a restricted free agent this summer. According to Elliotte Friedman however, it seems that restricted status is going to be removed sooner rather than later:
A lot of talk about Matthew Knies too.
The Maple Leafs are well aware of a potential offer sheet, but they don't want to let it get there.
Around the deadline, when they had to decide whether to move Knies or reshape their roster, there was some preliminary talks about an extension and I think they kind of know where they are going.
We are in a new era of contracts, we're feeling out where we're going with the cap going up.
But when Knies says 'I want to be a Maple Leaf' I think he's telling the truth and they believe it; they want to get a deal done before an offer sheet becomes a reality, but it's grind time now.
The Maple Leafs are well aware of a potential offer sheet, but they don't want to let it get there.
Around the deadline, when they had to decide whether to move Knies or reshape their roster, there was some preliminary talks about an extension and I think they kind of know where they are going.
We are in a new era of contracts, we're feeling out where we're going with the cap going up.
But when Knies says 'I want to be a Maple Leaf' I think he's telling the truth and they believe it; they want to get a deal done before an offer sheet becomes a reality, but it's grind time now.
That's huge news for the Maple Leafs considering that Knies could receive an offer sheet that would exceed potentially $7.5-8.5M.
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta also believes it's going to take that much and that a deal can more than likely be agreed to:
Knies is believed to be looking for a contract in the three-to-five-year range and will likely see his average annual value climb over the $7 million mark.
With $25.7 million in salary cap space going into the 2025-26 campaign, the Leafs have enough space to get Knies locked up and fill voids in their top-six.
With $25.7 million in salary cap space going into the 2025-26 campaign, the Leafs have enough space to get Knies locked up and fill voids in their top-six.
There Are Teams Who Could Pay, But Is It Worth It?
There is a huge caveat with that though, and teams are going to need to be prepared to pay. If a team were to offer Knies that amount, it would cause them to pay a 2026 first, second, and third round pick.
Anything higher, and that turns into two firsts (in next 3 drafts, starting 2026), a second, and a third.
The teams that are able to actually offer Knies between $7.5-8.5M with correct compensation are: Anaheim, Boston, Chicago, Calgary, Detroit, Los Angeles, Montreal, Nashville, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Utah.
If it goes past $9.36M then you can add Edmonton and Vegas to that list, and we've already seen what happens when the Oilers get a chance to take a Leafs player.
Are those teams willing to pay that price for Knies, knowing especially they have bigger fish in free agency not only now, but in the future?
It also gives the Maple Leafs a lot of ammunition come draft day, and they could couple those picks for a hopeful Marner replacement. Do teams want to take a risk on Knies, and lose out on either a draft steal or see the Leafs make a blockbuster splash to replace him?
Arguably yes, considering the type of player he is. His 58 points in 78 games (29G, 29A) shows his remarkable consistency, and he added 182 hits while on the top line; he's been labelled a unicorn in the league and for good reason.
Which is why it's even more important that Toronto and Knies come to an agreement. No deal is too good to pass up, and there are some desperate teams who might be willing to pay both Knies and the Maple Leafs for his services.
Though, all things considered, Matthew Knies has been adamant time and time again that he wants to stay here. We should be inclined to believe him, because unlike some: His passion and dedication to the team means more than money.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 568 ANSWERS Matthew Knies and Maple Leafs Enter Critical Stage of Contract Negotiations Will Matthew Knies sign a bridge deal or a long-term deal with the Maple Leafs | ||
| Bridge | 198 | 34.9 % |
| Long-Term | 358 | 63 % |
| Won't Sign | 12 | 2.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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