Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Matthew Knies (23) celebrates his hat-trick goal with teammate Jake McCabe (22) as Boston Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov (91) reacts during third-period NHL hockey action in Toronto, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have locked in rising star Matthew Knies with a six-year contract extension worth $46.5 million. The 22-year-old forward has proven himself as one of the team's most impactful players, and this long-term deal is being hailed as a smart, forward-thinking move by general manager Brad Treliving.
A Rising Star in Blue and White
Knies has quickly become a fan favourite in Toronto. Even his more seasoned teammates can’t help but admire his presence.
One veteran teammate playfully called himself the “captain of the Kniesy fan club,” highlighting just how popular and respected Knies has become in the locker room.
Knies has emerged as the most exciting Leafs draft pick since Auston Matthews, who also hails from Arizona and now centers Knies on the top line.
Knies Deal Shows Smart Salary Cap Management
The Leafs secured Knies at a $7.75 million average annual value. This cap-friendly number places him between Minnesota’s Matt Boldy and Dallas’s Wyatt Johnston, both seen as comparable young talents. As the NHL salary cap continues to rise, this deal could turn out to be a major bargain.
Agent Matt Federico negotiated the contract, which keeps Knies away from restricted free agency and any offer sheet speculation. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency at 28, perfectly timed for a potential big payday.
Performance and Potential Make Knies a Key Piece
After posting 29 goals and 58 points in the 2024-25 season, Knies earned praise from new head coach Craig Berube. The coach called Knies the team’s “most pleasant surprise of the season.”
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 227 pounds, Knies brings size, strength, and skill. His style is aggressive and direct, with relentless forechecking, a commanding presence in front of the net, and growing value on special teams. Teammate Steve Lorentz highlighted his maturity, work ethic, and easygoing nature, calling him “a good pro” with a grounded personality.
Not for Trade — A Long-Term Asset
The Leafs’ leadership is clearly invested in Knies. When the Carolina Hurricanes reportedly inquired about including Knies in a potential trade for Mikko Rantanen, Toronto shut the door.
Treliving was firm in his stance: Knies isn’t going anywhere.
“Matthew is just realizing how big and strong he is,” Treliving said. “He’s grown right in front of our eyes. He’s a big part of our team now and will be for years to come.”
Coach Berube has even compared Knies to American power forward legends like Keith Tkachuk, Bill Guerin, and John LeClair — high praise that reflects the organization’s long-term vision for the young star.
A Strong Offseason Start for Treliving
This contract is another early victory for GM Brad Treliving, who is crafting a more stable and strategic roster. After handling John Tavares’s situation last week, Treliving’s work with Knies shows his commitment to keeping core pieces in place. The soon-to-expire contract of Mitch Marner also opened up cap flexibility, making this long-term deal feasible.
With July 1 free agency on the horizon, Treliving now has a clearer cap picture, giving him room to be aggressive on the open market.
Knies Is Here to Win
Throughout the season and during negotiations, Knies made one thing clear: he wants to be a Maple Leaf. On May 20, he dismissed any talk of leaving via an offer sheet.
“I want to be here. I want to play here,” Knies said. “I love everyone in this locker room. There’s really a chance to win here. I think that there are the guys in this room to win.”
One of those players, without a doubt, is Knies himself. With this extension, the Maple Leafs are betting big that his best hockey is still ahead. And if his recent performance is any indication, it’s a smart bet.
