Report: Knies Camp “In No Rush” To Sign Extension With Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies has stepped up his game to another level this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing on the top line and doing everything that head coach Craig Berube wants of him. Certainly, the Leafs would love to get the young burgeoning power forward locked up to a long-term extension sooner than later, as he gets set to enter restricted free agency after the season.

But according to a report, the two sides aren't close, as Knies's camp isn't as keen to lock in just yet, likely as they want to see what new heights he'll reach as the season goes along in order to wield more negotiating power.

For those wondering..

Status quo on contract talks between Matthew Knies and the Maple Leafs.

I’m told his camp is in no rush to get a deal done.

For my money, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is ironed out after the season.
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) October 22, 2024

Per Leafs insider Nick Alberga, the Knies camp "is in no rush to get a deal done." He thinks this won't get settled until after the season, when Knies has a full year of stats and performance playing alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

The 22-year-old is already off to a nice start—or should we say a Knies start—with two goals and three points in six games, and a plus/minus rating of +6.

In his rookie year last season, the power forward notched 15 goals and 35 points in 80 games, with a +9. The 6'2", 210-pounder also handed out 169 hits, which led all Toronto forwards.

Knies is wrapping up his entry-level deal with a $925,000 cap hit. He was selected in the 2nd round (57th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft.