The 23-year-old winger is entering his first year of a six-year contract extension heading into the 2026-27 season, which pays Knies $7.75 million average annual value. While that’s a massive pay raise from his entry-level contract, Knies has earned it. This past season he scored 23 goals, and a career high 43 assists, which led to a career high 66 points in 79 games. While Knies played through some late-season knee troubles, which certainly slowed down his chances of being a point-per-game player, he’s as durable as they come, plays a style of game the Leafs need more of, and is still just 23 years old. Don’t forget the salary cap went up $8.5 million, and keep an eye out on the kind of players who get $7.75 AAV on their free-agent contracts come July, and then compare their games to what Knies brings to the table.
Chicago Blackhawks continue to circle trade waters
The Blackhawks were rumored to have made a serious push for Knies ahead of the trade deadline last March, but former GM Brad Treliving didn’t bite. The Blackhawks then landed the number four pick at the NHL Draft Lottery recently, so many feel they’ll circle back on Chayka to see if he’s willing to move Knies for a top pick.
While the Maple Leafs could use one of the defensive prospects linked to the top-five picks at next month’s draft, if they moved Knies at this point, Nylander and Matthews would essentially walk into Chayka’s office and demand out. This trio is very close on and off the ice, and Knies is quickly becoming a big part of Toronto’s leadership group. He slots in perfectly as a heavy winger who can play in all situations, and with Cowan and McKenna still set for growing pains these next few years, Knies is the perfect complement to take all the pressure off them, and give them time to develop.
The only tidbit that really seems to have legs here is the fact Knies doesn’t have trade protection. He signed his six-year deal with Treliving, and there isn’t even a modified no-trade included. Regardless, it’s very likely Chayka and Sundin speak to their management group, and their pro scouts, Matthews and Nylander, and find out quickly how valuable Knies is to the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
The focus instead of moving Knies up front should be finding a right-winger who can distribute for Knies and Matthews to play with. Yes, McKenna has potential to jump in and contribute, but Chayka would be very wise to land a proven NHL top-six talent, a name that’s going to get Matthews and Knies’ attention heading into training camp in September. Patrick Kane? Robert Thomas?
While the Maple Leafs certainly need to retool on the fly, moving a 23-year-old with a boatload of talent, and even more untapped potential would be a disservice to this group. Instead, Chayka’s focus should be directed at finding multiple two-way defencemen who can impact the game in all three zones, and move the puck up so the Leafs’ skilled forwards can show off their skill. It will interesting to see how Craig Berube’s coaching style plays into all this to kick off next season.
Knies has another level of potential to strive for
While he may be coming off a career season with his 66 points, Knies still has plenty of room for growth.
Not only did he play less minutes killing penalties, but his defensive coverage and physicality took a small step back this season. While late in the season it could be thanks to a nagging knee injury, the fact of the matter is, Knies needs to ensure he finds a more consistent 200-foot game heading into next season. There can’t be a stretch of night’s off in a row like we’ve seen through his first three full seasons with the Leafs, and if he’s able to be productive in some element of the game on a nightly basis, this team could get back to contending.
Knies has the ability to impact the game in so many different ways, which is not something you can say about most Maple Leafs’ forwards. First power-play unit, second penalty-kill unit, net-front presence, physical forecheck, defensively responsible along the walls, good speed, and again, 6-foot-3, 235lbs, which isn’t something anyone can teach.
Chayka and Sundin need to find a right winger to play with Knies and Matthews. It’s likely the most important transaction of their summer, because if the top line doesn’t get back to carrying a major part of the offense, the results could look much the same next season, which doesn’t bode well for the Maple Leafs’ captain having any interest in remaining a Maple Leaf.