Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Key Free Agent Reveals Desire to Stay in Toronto

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 20, 2025 2:38 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a crucial offseason following a tough playoff exit. Toronto had all the momentum after two games against the Florida Panthers, but the team wasn't able to advance to the next round.

The team now enters an offseason with multiple key players heading to free agency, and the roster could look very different next season. One of those players is forward Matthew Knies, who is a restricted free agent.

Knies spoke on his upcoming free agency and revealed whether he would be open to signing an offer sheet from Toronto.

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

The Maple Leafs likely would love to keep Knies around, especially with the potential losses of Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Knies was electric for the Maple Leafs this past season, scoring 29 goals and 29 assists for the team.

The forward finished fifth on the team in scoring behind the four stars on the team. But Knies has emerged as a potential star himself and seems to embrace being in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs could be looking to drastically change things up this offseason after another early postseason exit. But Knies could be a crucial piece to the team moving forward.

Toronto needs players like him on the roster, and if Marner does leave, Knies could step in to fill his role. If he continues to blossom as a player, Toronto could have found a steal in Knies.

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

More must-reads: