As the Toronto Maple Leafsbrace for a pivotal offseason, all eyes are on the team’s next moves following their latest playoff exit. The potential breakup of the “Core Four” looms large, with Mitch Marner widely expected to depart, and attention has now shifted to rising star Matthew Knies and his contract situation.
General manager Brad Treliving addressed reporters ahead of the NHL Draft and the July 1 start of free agency, offering a “hopeful” update on contract talks with the 22-year-old winger. While Knies isn’t yet eligible for unrestricted free agency, he remains one of the organization’s top restricted priorities—and a potential offer sheet target.
“Matthew, same sort of thing (as with the progressing John Tavares talks), lots of communication,” Treliving told reporters Thursday. “Not the same deadline, necessarily. But it goes without saying, Matthew is going to make more than what he’s making now in his next contract. We’re very hopeful that it will get to a good conclusion. When that is, time will tell.”
What’s the latest on Knies’ contract status?
According to Treliving, negotiations with Matthew Knies remain active and positive. The winger is reportedly seeking a new deal worth around $7 million per year, a significant raise from his entry-level contract. The Leafs, meanwhile, are believed to be aiming for a number closer to $4 to $5 million annually.
The front office and Knies’ camp are said to be exploring a three-to-five-year agreement, which would give Toronto some cost control while allowing the player another opportunity to cash in before reaching unrestricted free agency. Still, the GM didn’t rule out the possibility of another team swooping in with an offer sheet, a rare but impactful move in NHL free agency.
How are the Leafs preparing for that possibility?
“You also want to protect yourself moving into the summer past July 1,” Treliving said. “We want to make sure we’re protected. I’m sure the next question is going to be (about a possible) offer sheet. That’s not anything you can operate in fear with, but you have to do proper business.”
Knies would have to agree to sign any offer sheet presented by another team. If that happens, Toronto could choose to match the offer or receive compensation in the form of draft picks, depending on the value of the proposed deal.
Why is Knies such a critical piece for Toronto?
Knies had a breakout year in 2024-25, scoring 29 goals and 58 points, and firmly established himself as a top-six forward. Drafted 57th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, he has since notched 94 points in 161 regular-season games.
His size, puck protection, and offensive instincts make him a strong fit for Toronto’s evolving roster—particularly if Marner or other core pieces depart. Keeping him locked in will be crucial to maintaining forward depth and building around Auston Matthews, who remains the cornerstone of the franchise.
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Knies previously stated after the Maple Leafs’ playoff exit that he hoped to remain in Toronto, reinforcing the mutual interest in a deal.