• Sun. Jan 12th, 2025 1:17:04 AM

Maple Leafs Restart Matthew Knies’ Contract Negotiations Amid Obstacles

The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Matthew Knies have resumed contract negotiations, with both sides eager to reach an agreement. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there is a key issue still to be resolved: the length of the contract. The Leafs are reportedly aiming for a long-term deal, while Knies’ camp is looking for a shorter term—likely three to four years, rather than a two-year bridge deal. As Pagnotta noted, the situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen how the two sides will ultimately reach a resolution.

David Pagnotta noted that while the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t under immediate pressure to finalize a contract extension with Matthew Knies, delaying the process until the offseason could lead to higher salary demands, depending on how Knies performs throughout the season. Pagnotta explained that while the Leafs have time—since Knies is still under contract—they have resumed discussions in the hope of striking a deal sooner. Knies, 22, is in the final year of his entry-level deal and has posted an impressive 16 points in 23 games, despite missing some time due to injury. While negotiations had stalled in late October, insider Nick Kypreos speculated that Toronto’s reluctance might have been due to concerns over Knies’ potential salary demands, which could be around $7.6 million per year, similar to the contract of Montreal’s Juraj Slafkovsky. Despite these hurdles, Pagnotta believes the Leafs are motivated to reach an agreement quickly, avoiding a prolonged negotiation process like they faced with William Nylander and Auston Matthews in recent years. Meanwhile, the Leafs are also preparing for Mitch Marner’s upcoming free agency, as his current contract is set to expire in July.

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