Maple Leafs Rumors: Scout Reveals How High a Matthew Knies Extension Could Run
Matthew Knies is a rising star for the Toronto Maple Leafs, of that there is no doubt. But the 22-year-old power forward will be a restricted free agent this summer, and so far, serious negotiations on a contract extension haven't really gone down.
We do know the Leafs fully intend to re-sign Knies, and insider Darren Dreger reveals just how highly they regard him. He says rival teams shouldn't waste their time trying to submit an offer sheet to the RFA.
Matthew Knies isn't going to happen because Toronto would match. They just wouldn't allow themselves to be threatened in that world. Carolina tried (at the trade deadline, to acquire Knies) for Mikko Rantanen, and Toronto just (went) 'PFFFT.. NO'. They had a conversation about Marner (in the Rantanen talks), but they wouldn't even consider Knies, not even remotely.
Knies just potted his 25th goal of the season this week to go with 45 points in 65 games in just his second NHL season. he's also handed out 155 hits.
As for just how much the Leafs might have to pay him in an extension, scout Jason Bukala appeared on Sportsnet Radio on Friday and suggested a wild number of a $9 million AAV.
“It could go to $9M… Sign Knies first and see what’s leftover… because he’s going to get offer sheeted.”
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) March 21, 2025
Jason Bukala projects what Matthew Knies’ next contract could cost and why the #Leafs should prioritize extending him with @mattymar89 & @futamichael.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/Sa9noBVMoT
“It could literally go to $9M, it really could… At 22 years old, he's a unicorn. And they've been searching for this kind of player forever...
"I just don't see how you can not sign Knies first and then see what’s leftover."
Then, despite Dreger's warnings for teams not to waste their time, Bukala said "he’s going to get offer sheeted.”
The Leafs had better work fast to get that Knies extension done.
Photo: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
