Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to complete Matthew Knies’ contract extension as soon as possible

While Mitch Marner and John Tavares have continued to dominate the contract conversations in Toronto as both become UFAs this summer, there’s one other negotiation that may have the most implication for the Maple Leafs long term.

Matthew Knies is now a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. Will Knies sign long-term, or ink a bridge contract in the hopes of really cashing in in a few years? What’s his value to this team right now, and what kind of contract can they offer him in this summer’s grand talent re-shuffling?

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving spoke to media at his year-end press conference Thursday, and made it clear that Knies’ contract is a top priority for the team right now.

“I’d like to get it done as soon as possible,” Treliving said. “Usually term and money are the only two issues that come into play during a contract negotiation. I thought Matthew had a tremendous year. We’re seeing him evolve in front of our eyes. It’s a big step for a young player to become really important. You can be a good player and have a role, but he became a really important player. Matthew had an injury in Game 6. Muscled through it. That wasn’t him at 100 percent in Game 7, he was muscling through it.”

Knies finished this year’s postseason as one of the Maple Leafs’ best offensive players, with five goals through 13 games, including two power play markers. Most importantly, he brought needed energy across the ice that will be part of sparking this team to success in the future.

“I thought he was really good,” Treliving said, of Knies’ playoff performance. “It was his second full year. He was an impactful player. I think of the breakaway in Game 4. Matthew is a big part of the future moving forward.”

And it looks like the feeling is mutual, with Knies clearly stating his desire to remain in Toronto at the players’ year-end media availabilities on May 20.

“I want to be here. I want to play here. That’s all that matters to me,” Knies said.

With Knies and the team on the same page, there’s good reason to believe this can get done sooner rather than later, as the young forward is clearly a key part of Toronto’s re-structuring moving forward.