Matthew Knies is a RFA at season's end and the team would love to get a deal done soon, but the power forward isn't focused on anything but helping the Leafs win.
Knies however isn't too concerned with future talks and is solely focused on playing. Recently commenting on his future, the young power forward wasn't shy about his intentions this season:
«I don't focus on that at all. It didn't affect me when I was in college and deciding. I'm just focused on what I can do to become a better player. I don't care about points or fancy plays.
I just want to help this team win at all costs. That's the value I can bring to the team. There are still improvements I can make, but there's a lot of hockey ahead of me.»
Why Toronto Needs To Re-Sign Matthew Knies ASAP
It's pretty clear that Knies has the potential to be one of the league's elite power forwards and has the chance to cement himself as a Maple Leafs legend given enough time and experience.
Still only 22 years old, Knies is a long way from his prime still and if he continues to grow at the pace he's at, there's no telling how good he truly can be. Despite being in a scoring drought, he's still a threat and it's only a matter of time that he'll bounce back.
With Auston Matthews on the shelf again, it's crucial now more than ever that Knies contributes, and with questions surrounding their other contracts, getting it finished with their young star would make those choices easier.
It's only a matter of time before the Maple Leafs and Matthew Knies come to an agreement. However if they somehow fall out, Toronto is going to lose out again on another elite star with no one to blame but themselves.