Matthew Knies will avoid being a potential offer sheet target this summer as he’s signed a six-year contract worth $7,750,000 per season. The team announced the deal on the afternoon of Sunday, June 29th.
The power forward was set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, but Toronto locked him up with a good term to build into the future.
The 22-year-old broke out with a 58-point (29G, 29A) season, all of which were career highs for the Leafs’ young star. After his rookie deal worth $975,000 annually for three seasons expired this past season, it was a no-brainer to get Knies locked up with some term.
He’s got 161 games throughout his three seasons under his belt, where he’s posted 94 points (44G, 50A) throughout that time. The second-round (57th overall) 2021 NHL draft selection has proved to be an even bigger performer when it comes to the playoffs. Even though the team has underperformed in the playoffs, Knies has made a name for being a playoff performer.
Throughout 27 playoff games, Knies has posted 14 points (8G, 6A) in 27 games while also being part of the Leafs’ series wins in 2023 against Tampa Bay and 2025 against Ottawa.
General Manager Brad Treliving talked about a DNA change in the team’s postseason press conference in May, but Knies is a part of the solution that Treliving is looking for.
After his new six-year deal, Knies will play a bigger role in the Maple Leafs’ organization moving forward.
ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing – Inside The Rink
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