John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Leafs winger Matthew Knies signs unexpected new deal

Originally posted on Maple Leafs Daily | By TJ Tucker | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 2:38 PM ET

Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been signed by a major athletic apparel company to become their brand ambassador in Canada.

The Toronto Maple Leafs recently made an important decision regarding forward Matthew Knies, snubbing any team that brought up his name in a potential deal at the trade deadline. The thought of dealing him appears to be a complete non-starter — and rightfully so.

Knies admitted to being nervous in the days leading up to the deadline, but he had nothing to worry about as his actions on the ice this season have been more than enough to impress GM Brad Treliving.

The 22-year-old has come a long way since 2022-23, and he's been rewarded by the Maple Leafs because of it. It's getting him attention outside the arena as well.

On that note, Sportsnet's Luke Fox has reported that Knies has been signed by Adidas Canada to be a brand ambassador for the huge athletic apparel company.

Knies recently achieved something unthinkable, as he fired a shot past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Joel Blomqvist with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock in the second period, marking one of the most memorable goals of this NHL season.

Knies' breakout season is getting noticed by analysts as well, as Sportsnet's Jason Bukala wrote that re-signing him should be the Maple Leafs' top priority.

That said, on the latest episode of the "Real Kyper and Bourne" show, Nick Kypreos said Toronto should avoid throwing money at him.

"Every time the Leafs give a massive deal to a 22-year-old, it comes to bite them," he said.

Knies becomes a restricted free agent at the end of this season, after signing an entry-level deal with Toronto in April 2023.

Knies has managed new career highs in goals (25) and points (45) this season, while also adding more than 5 minutes to his average time on ice.

This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: