Report: Maple Leafs Re-Engage in Contract Talks with Matthew Knies

There was word earlier this season that the Toronto Maple Leafs were endeavoring to come to terms on an extension for young forward Matthew Knies. The talks were eventually shelved when it seemed that Knies wanted to let things play out for the year.

But good news for Leafs Nation as talks are back on, according to a report from insiders Nick Alberga and David Pagnotta on Leafs Morning Take.

Hearing that the #LeafsForever & Matthew Knies’ camp have re-engaged in contract discussions recently.

Nothing imminent, but talks are back on.
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) December 3, 2024

Although Alberga says there's no deal imminent, conversations are a positive step.

Knies has potted two goals in his two games back from a 10-day absence, giving him 10 on the year in 22 games and putting him on a 37-goal pace. Obviously, the sooner the Leafs can lock him up long-term, the better (i.e. cheaper) it'll be for the team.

Pagnotta says it's certainly in Toronto's best interest to get something done soon, as he discussed with Alberga.

Talks have resumed, and it's a smart play, especially from the Leafs' side of things, to try to lock him in sooner rather than later, because if he does hit 30-plus goals by the end of the season, whoa — that's gonna be a spicy meatball they're gonna have to deal with.

"Try to see if there's an avenue to work things out now," says Pagnotta.

The insider adds that the Leafs will be trying to get a long-term deal done for at least six years, while he believes that Knies, 22, might be looking at a shorter-term thing, "maybe three or four years". He also leans towards feeling it might take until the summer to get a deal done.

However, Knies will be a restricted free agent as of July 1, and and Alberga warns:

"The offer sheet, man... Who's to say that some team doesn't come in and blow his brains off with a seven-year offer at $8.5M a year, man. I'm serious. I think he's played that good and people see that potential and (are saying) 'you know what, we'll give you anything you want at this point.'"