Negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Matthew Knies have hit a slowdown, with Knies’ salary expectations reportedly giving the Leafs pause. NHL insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period provided an update on October 23, revealing that talks, which initially had Knies “on the precipice” of a new contract per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, have “cooled” since the season began. It’s expected that both sides may not reengage in serious discussions until the offseason, as they remain “not close” to an agreement.

Nick Kypreos added that Toronto’s caution likely stems from Knies’ potential asking price, estimated at around $7.6 million in average annual value (AAV). This figure is comparable to Montreal Canadiens’ forward Juraj Slafkovsky’s recent eight-year, $60.8 million extension with a $7.6 million AAV, following his standout 50-point season. Knies, in contrast, finished the 2023-24 season with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) across 80 games and a +9 rating.

Despite the contract impasse, Knies has made an impressive start to the 2024-25 season, notching five points (four goals, one assist) in Toronto’s first nine games and avoiding a “sophomore slump.” If Knies sustains this level of performance, the Leafs may need to weigh his production against the financial demands his target AAV would entail.