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Maple Leafs Sign Young Forward to Massive Extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs are taking away the possibility of an offer sheet by locking up one of their young key forwards.

Nick Horwat

Apr 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) celebrates after scoring the winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during overtime at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) celebrates after scoring the winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during overtime at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are making sure there is no chance for an offer sheet by signing young forward Matthew Knies to a massive contract extension. Knies and the Maple Leafs have agreed to terms on a six-year deal worth $7.75 million annually.

Knies put together a breakout season in 2024-25 as one of the top young forwards on the Maple Leafs’ roster. In 78 games played, Knies scored 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 total points.

The 2024-25 season was Knies’ last before becoming a restricted free agent, and the threat of an offer sheet felt very real. Standing at six-foot-three and 227 pounds, plenty of teams around the NHL would love to have a player like Knies in their lineup.

The 22-year-old Knies isn’t afraid to utilize his size, either, with 353 hits over his 161-game NHL career. Over the course of his career, Knies has picked up 44 goals and 50 assists for 94 points. Considering his size and skillset, Knies has what it takes to play wherever the Maple Leafs need him.

Knies’ new deal runs through the 2030-31 and coming in at $8 million is a bit of a steal for the Maple Leafs. It’s a team-friendly deal and Knies might have what it takes to help push the Maple Leafs over the hump to finally find postseason success.

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Nick Horwat
NICK HORWAT

Nick Horwat is a contributor with Breakaway On SI. He was previously a credentialed reporter for The Hockey News covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A Pittsburgh native, Nick graduated from Point Park University and started reporting on news and sports with KDKA Radio and 93.7 The Fan. After hosting a Penguins talk radio show in college, he morphed the show into a podcast. The Tip of the Ice-Burgh Podcast has been a leading Penguins podcast since 2019. Follow him on Twitter @NickHorwat41.

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