The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a pivotal offseason, with rising star Matthew Knies eligible for a new contract on July 1.
Former NHL player and analyst Paul Bissonnette is urging the franchise to act quickly to avoid a drawn-out negotiation similar to the one involving Mitch Marner.
Leafs Advised to Offer Matthew Knies a Wyatt Johnston-Style Bridge Deal
On a recent episode of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, Bissonnette expressed his concern with the Knies contract situation and said, “Matthew Knies and his agent are more than likely gonna be taking it to the offer sheet status. So, past July 1st, which is not good.”
Bissonnette felt the Leafs should consider offering Knies a deal similar to the one recently given to Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston. “I would be okay to get it over and done with, that if they just locked Knies in and gave him like a quote-unquote bridge at a five-year, $8.5 million deal,” he added.
The offer sheets are coming for Matthew Knies if the Leafs don’t lock him up. https://t.co/3rInjjY8jU pic.twitter.com/gYHMZQhKq1
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) June 26, 2025
“Because my understanding, if he does get to July 1st, that someone’s probably going to offer him that eight-year, $10–10.5 million and then Toronto is going to be forced to match and then voila – all of a sudden we have our new Mitch Marner,” Bissonnette explained further.
In the 2024-25 season, his third in the NHL, Knies recorded 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 78 games played. The 23-year-old winger’s physical style, two-way play, and maturity have made him a core piece of the Leafs’ future. Knies also contributed five power-play goals, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Leafs Face Pressure to Secure Young Talent as Marner Likely Departs
The Leafs recently re-signed captain John Tavares to a four-year, $17.52 million extension with an average annual value of $4.38 million, solidifying his leadership role. However, star winger Mitch Marner is expected to hit free agency on July 1.
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving acknowledged Marner will likely test the market, saying, “That may come (on) July 1, it may come August 1, September 1. You’re not sure.”
With Marner’s likely departure, locking up Knies to a reasonable bridge deal becomes even more critical for the Leafs. Treliving has previously said he won’t operate out of fear of an offer sheet, but Bissonnette’s warning highlights the risk of letting Knies reach free agency without an extension in place.
If the Leafs wait, they may be forced into a Marner-esque contract standoff to retain the budding power forward. As negotiations continue, Knies’ impact on the Leafs’ performance and locker room presence will be key factors in determining his value.
Teammates have praised his leadership qualities, and his ability to elevate the team’s play has been evident throughout his young career. While specific contract comparisons are difficult to make, it’s clear that Knies’ potential warrants a significant investment from the Leafs.
