• Wed. Nov 13th, 2024

NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs forward may receive a contract similar to that of a former first overall pick.

Nov 3, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) during a game between the Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies will be up for a new contract at the end of this season, as he is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) next summer. While there have been numerous rumors surrounding his contract situation earlier this season, it appears the 22-year-old and his camp are in no rush to finalize anything.

Knies has had a strong start to the season, recording 7 goals and 10 points in 16 games, putting him on pace for over 50 points and 35 goals. In Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, he will become the ninth player from the 2021 draft class to reach 100 NHL games. Given his impressive performance, it’s understandable that Knies may choose to wait until the end of the season to negotiate his deal, ensuring that general manager Brad Treliving is more inclined to offer him a solid contract.

**Contract Comparables for Knies**

On the *Real Kyper & Bourne* show at Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne discussed the 2025 class of restricted free agents, and when they got to Matthew Knies, they immediately drew comparisons to 2022’s first overall pick, Juraj Slafkovsky. While there are clear differences between the two, such as their age and development, there are also notable similarities, especially in their roles with their teams. Both players have secured top-line roles despite their relative inexperience. Additionally, they share similar physical profiles—both are listed at 6-foot-3 and have only a two-pound difference between them, according to NHL.com. Given these factors, comparing Knies to Slafkovsky in terms of potential contract value seems quite logical.

However, the most significant difference between Matthew Knies and Juraj Slafkovsky, and perhaps the most important in terms of contract negotiations, is their current contract status. While both are in the final year of their entry-level contracts, Slafkovsky has already secured a new deal for the 2025-26 season. Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes signed him to an eight-year contract worth $7.6 million per year. Kypreos and Bourne believe that Knies could earn a similar deal, potentially pushing up to an $8 million AAV. Kypreos even went so far as to say that if he were the Leafs’ GM, he wouldn’t accept a straight-up trade of Slafkovsky for Knies.

**Other Comparables for Knies**

There are also other contract comparables for Knies, such as Dylan Guenther of the Arizona Coyotes. Guenther, drafted 9th overall in the same 2021 draft, was selected nearly 50 picks ahead of Knies. While their playing styles differ, the two have similar age and experience in the NHL. Guenther has played six fewer games than Knies but has scored 16 more points. This discrepancy could potentially work in the Leafs’ favor during contract talks, as it could help them negotiate a lower cap hit than the one Slafkovsky received. Guenther signed an eight-year extension worth just over $7.1 million per year, which could provide a useful reference point for general manager Brad Treliving in keeping Knies’ cap hit below $7.5 million.

Another comparison often made with Knies is on-ice, rather than contractual. Some analysts see similarities between him and Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers. Both players have a physical edge to their game and excel at crashing the net, looking for rebounds, and screening goaltenders. Kreider, a former 52-goal scorer, is the type of player the Leafs would love to see Knies develop into. If Knies can approach that level of production, Toronto would certainly be pleased with the outcome.

By Admin

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