Matthew Knies has become a key forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, and his strong preference is to stay with the team long-term.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday during the team`s final media availability, Knies addressed questions about his upcoming contract status.
The 22-year-old left no doubt about his intentions, even when asked about the possibility of signing an offer sheet with another club.
“I want to be here,” Knies stated emphatically. “I want to play here. That`s all that matters to me.”
Knies, originally a second-round pick by the Leafs in the 2021 NHL Draft, is set to become a restricted free agent this off-season. He had a breakout year, achieving career bests in goals (29) and points (59), placing him right behind the team`s established `Core Four` forwards in offensive production.
While Knies is high on the list of players Toronto hopes to secure for the next season, it remains uncertain whether he will sign a short-term bridge deal or a longer contract.
Recently, on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman indicated that given Knies` emergence as a critical piece of the team`s core, the Maple Leafs are likely aiming for a long-term agreement.
Friedman commented, “They could have traded Matthew Knies for Rantanen this year. They didn’t, so they obviously think he’s going to be a big part of their future and we’ll see how those contract talks go. If you think someone is a core piece, you sign them for as long as you can because the price will never go down. And I think they will do that with Knies.”
Knies` clear statement against considering an offer sheet suggests the Maple Leafs have some flexibility and time to work out a new deal.
However, the team`s overall salary cap situation and roster construction hinge significantly on the future of veteran forwards John Tavares and Mitch Marner and whether they will return for the upcoming season.
Tristan Blackwood