NHL Rumors: Insider reveals money tension rising in Matthew Knies deal as Maple Leafs struggle with cap space

There is a lot of noise coming out of Toronto, but no one knows the full truth yet. While sources are saying different things, the Toronto Maple Leafs are developing a new contract for young forward Matthew Knies. Although certain people think an agreement is near, others claim the two sides are yet far apart. Then then, what is actually happening?


Matthew Knies and Toronto Maple Leafs facing gap in contract numbers

NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed an update in The Fourth Period on Thursday, June 20, 2025, on contract talks between Matthew Knies and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Though both sides are trying to reach a new arrangement, they are not yet aligned.

Matthew Knies caught in negotiation whirlwind as Toronto Maple Leafs seek elusive middle-ground agreement https://t.co/yChTI0sQ8g

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Some sources close to the team believe the deal is almost finished. But other people close to the situation told Pagnotta that there’s still a big gap to fix. “It could go either way,” said one source familiar with the talks. That’s why fans are getting mixed messages right now.

Knies just finished his entry-level contract after scoring a career-high 29 goals and 58 points in the 2024–25 season. He played 78 regular season games. The 22-year-old forward also had five goals in 13 playoff games this year. Over his two full NHL seasons, he has played 161 games with 44 goals and 50 assists.

Knies is one of three restricted free agent (RFA) forwards still unsigned by the Leafs, along with Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg. The Leafs want to keep all three players but are taking things one step at a time.


Matthew Knies asking for more money than Toronto Maple Leafs are offering

According to Pagnotta’s report, the main issue in the talks is money. The Toronto Maple Leafs want to offer Knies a deal worth $4–$5 million per year. But Knies and his agent are asking for closer to $7 million per year.

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The final amount depends on how long the contract will be. If it’s a long-term deal, Knies might accept a smaller yearly amount. But if it’s a short contract, he could get a chance to become a free agent around age 26 or 27. That would give him a better shot at a big contract later.

The Leafs have around $25 million in salary cap space, based on data from PuckPedia. So, they do have the money to keep Knies. But both sides need to agree on the length and salary before anything is made official.