Maple Leafs Rumors: Latest on Knies Contract Talks Reveals A Bit of a Rift

As suggestions of teams with dreams of offer sheeting RFA Matthew Knies continue to circulate, it becomes more and more incumbent on the Toronto Maple Leafs to get their burgeoning power forward signed to an extension before July 1. And while both sides definitely want to keep the relationship going, is it possible there's a bit of a rift in contract talks?

According to the insiders at The Fourth Period, there's a bit of a difference of opinion on what kind of term the two sides are interested in.

The Leafs... would like to get him signed to a longer-term contract, in the 6-to-8 year range, while it seems as if Knies and his camp have been looking for a 3-to-5 year agreement.

Knies, with so much growth still apparently to come, wants to go the route of his fellow Arizonian and teammate Auston Matthews, who wasn't all the way in on his last extension either, preferring to go with a four-year deal rather than a longer-term one.

The two sides have been negotiating "on and off" all season, and GM Brad Treliving remains confident that they'll get a deal done with Knies. Many insiders concur, postulating that no matter what happens, even in an offer sheet situation, the Leafs will match, come hell or high water.

Knies has had a breakout season in his second full year, finishing with 29 goals—nearly doubling his total of 15 in his rookie season—and 29 assists for 58 points in 78 games. He's established himself on the top line with Matthews and Mitch Marner, and he's come up with some big moments this season.

HAVE A GAME KNIES!!!

OT WINNER TO CAP OFF THE HAT TRICK 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ieXz4Ls7eH
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 10, 2025

Nevertheless, with the playoffs about to begin this weekend, it seems like any further serious work on extension talks will have to wait until the Leafs' season is over.