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Maple Leafs Predicted to Lose Star to Surprising West Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 26, 2025 4:27 PM ET

As the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready for a big offseason, the roster could look very different come next season. Toronto has multiple key players entering free agency, and it could see the front office make some tough decisions.

Many people are talking about Mitch Marner or John Tavares as the biggest free agents for Toronto. But young star Matthew Knies is entering restricted free agency this summer as well.

The Maple Leafs will likely try to keep him around, but if a team were to give him an offer sheet that was high enough, Toronto could move on. Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal of The Athletic linked Knies with the Vancouver Canucks, potentially giving thought to him leaving town.

"While Knies’ goal scoring and offensive skills are standout, there’s some risk that his production was inflated by a near 20 percent shooting clip. That’s something to be aware of, but for a player like Knies, it doesn’t really rise to the level of a concern. After all, it’s the uniqueness of Knies’ profile and the high quality of his two-way game that will make him so marketable. The goal scoring touch and skill level, that’s the cherry on top."

Knies broke out for the Maple Leafs this past season, scoring 29 goals and 29 assists. The young player continued his production in the playoffs, adding five goals and two assists.

The Canucks could use his scoring ability, and it could see them make an aggressive offer. Vancouver just barely missed the postseason, and the front office will likely want to add more this offseason.

Toronto will have some major decisions to make across the roster, with Knies being a central point of the offseason. And if the team isn't careful, he could walk out the door.

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

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