The Toronto Maple Leafs and Matthew Knies have reportedly agreed to a six-year contract extension, with the Arizona native set to earn $7.75 million annually starting Sunday. The deal locks in Knies, 22, who exploded in 2024–25 with a career-high 29 goals and 29 assists, for six years.
The news comes just before July 1, which would have allowed teams to offer restricted free agent Knies and Toronto to try to match the offer sheet. This way, they got things done without a third party dictating terms and both parties will be happy out of it.
As for the fans, they had mixed reactions. While some approved of the trade and Knies’ return, others feel the annual average value of $7.75 million was a little too much.
“GREAT news for us,” @Skateordie416 praised the deal as a major win for the Maple Leafs. “He was a stellar player, especially during the playoffs.”
GREAT news for us @Skateordie416
He was a stellar player, especially during the playoffs— Infinitus Capital (@InfinitusCap) June 29, 2025
“Heard nothing but smoke and mirrors on him getting traded. Hope @MapleLeafs are excited…”
Jeddorian (@Jeddorian) wrote.
“Good deal,” F A U L K (@DanielFalcao__) approved the trade.
💰 “Leaf fans will say steal… But all year saying he wouldn’t get more than 5 M AAV 😂,” Christo Aivalis (@christoaivalis) added.
“Is this an overpay for a guy without a 30-goal season?” Kevin Lawrence (@kwlrnz) asked the tough question.
“Too much AAV… but the term is good,” one fan said that long term is smart, but the average annual value feels steep.
“This man is the future of the team and they had to keep him around…” @YearOldOnTwit posted.
The Maple Leafs have made quite the moves in the offseason already, following another premature exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs. They signed John Tavares to a team-friendly, four-year, $18 million contract before inking another extension with Knies.
