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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Has Firm Answer on Possible Offer Sheets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 21, 2025 7:35 AM ET

As several Toronto Maple Leafs players face uncertain futures, forward Matthew Knies was crystal clear about what he'd like and expects to happen in the short-term future.

Knies, 22, addressed the media during Tuesday’s end-of-season availability and shut down the possibility of signing an offer sheet as a restricted free agent this summer.

The winger, coming off a breakout campaign in which he scored 58 points in 78 games, split evenly into 29 goals and 29 assists, made clear his loyalty to the Maple Leafs and his desire to remain in Toronto long-term.

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

Knies on the chance of an offer sheet: "I want to be here, I want to play here. That's all that matters. I love playing in this city, I think it's a blast. There's really a chance to win here and the guys in the room to win."
— Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) May 20, 2025

When asked specifically about the potential of signing an offer sheet, Knies reiterated his stance without hesitation.

"Just the way I asked the last question: I want to be here, I want to play here, that's all that matters.

"I love playing in this city, I think it's a blast. There's really a chance to win here and the guys in the room to win."

Knies added five goals and two assists in 13 playoff contests, tied for fifth among Maple Leafs players. He spent most of the year on Toronto’s top line with team captain Auston Matthews and star winger Mitch Marner.

While he’s in line for a substantial raise from his $925,000 entry-level deal, Knies said he has not yet considered whether he prefers a short-term or long-term extension.

"We ended like two days ago," Knies said. "I haven’t really thought about any of that."

Knies has appeared in 161 regular-season games since debuting in the 2022-23 season, scoring a total of 94 points, including 44 goals and 50 assists.

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

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