Matthew Knies Addresses Future with the Maple Leafs, Touches on Top Line Assignment

When Knies approached his rookie season in Toronto at this time last year, nobody really knew what to expect from the NCAA standout as he looked advance in his career, becoming a full-fledged pro hockey player. After a solid rookie campaign, the Arizona native is now looking to take the next step in his sophomore season and has drawn a pretty important assignment.

Knies has been skating with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner during training camp, lending to the idea that he will indeed be the primary option for Craig Berube as the top line LW in Toronto.

Knies, who is a pending RFA, has been eligible to negotiate a new contract since July 1st, but things have been very quiet on that front in terms of reporting. Nobody really knew what to expect, until today. Following Friday's on-ice sessions, Knies confirmed that he does see himself as a Leaf beyond this season. However, he still wouldn't tip his hand when it comes to the actual negotiations and where things stand.

what an actual contract looks like for Knies probably depends heavily on the term of said deal. A short-term contract, for example, likely favours the Leafs, as Knies would have a reasonable cap hit under those circumstances. However, a longer-term deal will almost certainly contain a high AAV, perhaps even above $5M-$6M per season.

The Leafs would be wise to get out in front of this one and sign the budding young star before he enjoys a big season on Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's line. However, it takes two to tango, and if Knies opts to bet on himself and delay talks until later this season or next offseason, it could mean thst the Leafs end up staring at a very expensive price tag on Knies.