NHL: Preseason-Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators - Source: Imagn — Elliotte Friedman weighs in on Matthew Knies’ long-term future with Maple Leafs (Imagn)

Elliotte Friedman weighs in on Matthew Knies’ long-term future with Maple Leafs

Modified Sep 30, 2024 15:36 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be embroiled in yet another contract negotiation, this time with Matthew Knies. The forward would like an extension with the team, and they're reportedly looking into keeping him around for the foreseeable future. Renowned analyst Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the topic.

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Friedman said:

"I’m wondering if they’re going to sign him. Knies is on the precipice of being a really long-term, important piece of the Maple Leafs. There have been some rumors of them having conversations about it. With cornerstone young players, the price never goes down. Seeing him with the ‘A’ on Saturday, they clearly think very, very highly of him."

The NHL analyst believes that Knies is very important to the Maple Leafs and that they are not shy about showing that. That can only serve to drive his eventual price up, though early negotiation before free agency like they're doing now can often help mitigate that.

Knies becomes a restricted free agent following the 2024-25 NHL season, so it's in Toronto's best interest to extend him now. If the team waits and he enters RFA, other teams can sign him. The Leafs could then match any offer sheet he gets, but that will likely only cost them more money.

Matthew Knies in better shape ahead of contract season with Maple Leafs

According to reports, Matthew Knies has reportedly added 10 pounds of muscle over the offseason, pushing his weight to 227 pounds. He feels like he's in better shape as he enters one of the most important seasons of his life.

Matthew Knies added 10 pounds of weight (Imagn)

Via The Hockey News, he said of his improved shape:

"Lots of ice cream and stuff like that. No, I've just been working hard in the gym on the ice, trying to get to my full potential. I feel better than ever and stronger than ever. I'm just excited for the season to get going."

He added that he just wants to be "strong" on his skates and be able to hold the puck and make plays. He can create space using his newfound "physicality and strength." Knies believes this is where he can excel on the ice, and is the place he needed to get better over the offseason.