Maple Leafs Rumors: How Much of a Threat Is A Matthew Knies Offer Sheet?

Matthew Knies' breakout season with the Toronto Maple Leafs had its signature moment on Wednesday night, when the burgeoning power forward recorded his first career hat trick with a stunning display, including the overtime winner over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Now, all the talk is about how the Leafs will handle his pending restricted free agency. Buzz is growing that some team will come swooping in with a massive offer sheet this summer.

But Toronto fans can relax, according to insider Chris Johnston. Speaking on TSN's Insider Trading, Johnston said he doesn't think the 22-year-old Knies will be going anywhere:

Matthew Knies is a big priority for the Maple Leafs... I don't believe (an offer sheet) is really a threat. And there's a couple of reasons for that. Matthew Knies is not really interested in entertaining an offer sheet. I don't think that this is something that him or his agent is looking for heading into the marketplace. And the second part of that is that the Maple Leafs feel they have plenty of cap space to get their business done this summer.

Of course, that business starts with pending UFA Mitch Marner, but Knies is very much a priority as well, as is another UFA, John Tavares, who also has every intention of staying in Toronto.

The team should have close to $30 million in cap space with which to work this offseason. Although one would think that a big chunk of that will be eaten up by those three.

As for Knies, Johnston doesn't think Leaf fans should worry.

"Heading into the summer, I believe the Leafs are really in a position to sign this player. And if he were to sign an offer sheet, I believe the Leafs will match it."

Knies has career highs across the board in 74 games this season, with 29 goals and 55 points, and none more thrilling than the OT winning play on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning to maintain the Leafs' grip on 1st place in the Atlantic: