Maple Leafs Reportedly Make Important Decision Regarding Winger Matthew Knies

The Maple Leafs have reportedly made an important decision regarding sophomore star and pending RFA Matthew Knies and his future in Toronto beyond this season.

As training camp began, Matthew Knies expressed his desire to remain a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs for a long time and had been relatively mum on contract discussions until the weekend leading up to the trade deadline.

While he didn't provide any update on negotiations, Knies reaffirmed his desire to stay in Toronto and get a deal done.

In their pursuit of Mikko Rantanen, the Leafs' general manager, Brad Treliving, shot down any request from the Carolina Hurricanes to include Knies in the package for the Stanley Cup Champion.

'There is no doubt Treliving wants to keep him in the fold, rebuffing rival GMs' trade interest at the deadline,' wrote Sportsnet's Luke Fox in his latest RFA report.

Fox's writing comes on the heels of Treliving's comments following the deadline on March 7th.

'Matthew is just realizing how big and strong he is, and he's getting more comfortable,' Treliving said of his top-line left wing on March 7. 'He's sort of grown right in front of our eyes. So, he's a big part of our team now (and will) continue to be moving forward. And he's a unique player. You know, that's a big, strong man at 22 years old.'

Knies was admittedly nervous as the deadline approached, but Treliving's comments should put the Arizona native's mind at ease.

In line for a substantial raise, some believe the Leafs should prioritize signing the former second-round pick over Mitch Marner and John Tavares to avoid any potential offer-sheets.

Dubbed a 'unicorn' for his rare combination of size, physicality and skill, Knies is snubbing the usual sophomore slump with 24 goals and 44 points in 63 games for the Leafs this season.