The Toronto Maple Leafs are determined to retain forward Matthew Knies as he approaches restricted free agency this summer. NHL insider Darren Dreger stated on the First Up podcast that if any team attempts to sign Knies with an offer sheet, the Leafs are prepared to match it, emphasizing their commitment to keeping the young player in Toronto.
Dreger also mentioned that Knies is expected to sign a bridge contract with the Maple Leafs initially, with the potential for a more lucrative deal down the line if his steady development continues. Knies’ versatility—contributing offensively while using his size and strength in all situations—makes him a valuable asset to Toronto’s roster.
Why Matthew Knies Is a Key Player for the Maple Leafs
In his sophomore NHL season, Matthew Knies demonstrated notable growth, recording 29 goals and 58 points over 78 games, alongside delivering 181 hits. These stats place him in elite company, as only a handful of NHL players, such as Tom Wilson, Brady Tkachuk, and Vincent Trocheck, reached similar numbers this season. Remarkably, Knies is the only player under 25 years old to achieve this combination of offensive output and physical play.
On average, Knies registered 0.74 points and 2.32 hits per game throughout the regular season, maintaining his consistent playstyle into the playoffs. Against teams like Ottawa and Florida, he continued to play with a physical edge while producing 0.53 points per game, underlining his reliability during critical moments.
Knies’ Unique Role and the Maple Leafs’ Financial Readiness
Matthew Knies stands out as a rare talent in the NHL due to his size—6-foot-3 and 227 pounds—and his age, as he is just 22 years old. Comparisons can be made with Will Cuylle from the New York Rangers, who shares some stylistic similarities, but Knies occupies a larger role with more ice time and offensive contributions. Cuylle had a strong season but did not match Knies’ level of involvement or goal production.
Knies will become a restricted free agent on July 1 if he does not finalize his contract prior to that date. While his qualifying offer is set at $874,500, his performance suggests he will command a significantly higher salary. Recent examples of young forwards such as Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Matt Boldy signing long-term deals exceeding $6 million annually provide a benchmark for what Knies could expect.
The Maple Leafs possess approximately $25.71 million in cap space this summer, giving them the financial flexibility to negotiate a substantial long-term contract with Knies. His combination of goal scoring, penalty killing, and physicality is integral to Toronto’s aspirations, especially in high-pressure playoff situations.
Darren Dreger’s Perspective on Knies’ Future with Toronto
“Man, he’s going to be a big ticket,” Dreger said. “But Toronto will be happy to pay him because, chances are he’s going to be just an incredible part of what should be a bright future.” —Darren Dreger, NHL Insider
“But … as much as I’m sure there are teams having the conversation about offer sheets and all of that. Do we honestly think that’s real? With Matthew Knies and the Maple Leafs? You can offer see them, sure. But you know, Toronto would match, I think, no matter what the scenario is.” —Darren Dreger, NHL Insider
Taken together, these insights emphasize the high regard Toronto holds for Knies and their readiness to invest in his development and future contributions. His blend of youth, skill, and physicality makes him a cornerstone for the Leafs moving forward.
As contract negotiations progress, Knies’ situation will be closely watched by NHL observers and fans eager to see him continue his rise within an organization capable of building around his promising talent.