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Maple Leafs GM's 'Hopeful' Update on Matthew Knies' Pending Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 7:24 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are about to embark on a pivotal offseason that could change the outlook of the franchise as it's been known for the last decade, with star forward Mitch Marner expected to leave the team and break the "Core Four."

On Thursday, general manager Brad Treliving spoke to reporters ahead of the NHL draft on Friday and the start of free agency on July 1, and touched on all of Toronto's pending free agents.

The Leafs, judging by Treliving's words, remain locked in negotiations with restricted free agent Matthew Knies, and while no agreement has been finalized, the Leafs' GM believes progress is being made.

“Matthew, same sort of thing (as with the progressing John Tavares talks), lots of communication,” Treliving said. “Not the same deadline (as with Tavares, who will enter unrestricted free agency on July 1), necessarily.

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“But it goes without saying, Matthew is going to make more than what he’s making now in his next contract. We’re very hopeful that it will get to a good conclusion. When that is, time will tell.”

Knies is coming off a breakout 29-goal, 58-point campaign and is reportedly seeking a contract in the $7 million per year range, while the Leafs might be trying to lock him in at around $4-to-5 million.

Both sides appear open to a mid-term deal between three and five years, though Treliving acknowledged the potential complication of receiving an offer sheet for the 22-year-old winger.

“You also want to protect yourself moving into the summer past July 1,” Treliving said. “We want to make sure we’re protected.

“I’m sure the next question is going to be (about a possible) offer sheet. That’s not anything you can operate in fear with, but you have to do proper business.”

Speaking after the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs in late May, Knies signaled a clear desire to remain with the organization. Even if another team submits an offer sheet for the player, Knies would need to sign it in order for that team to get him.

The Leafs drafted Knies with the No. 57 pick in the 2021 NHL draft, and the winger has gone on to score 94 points in 161 regular-season games since.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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