Writer Cautions the Maple Leafs Not to Wait Any Longer on Matthew Knies Extension

After producing 35 points in 80 games in his rookie year, the expectations were high for Matthew Knies coming into his sophomore season. Through 10 games, the Leafs have gotten off to a 5-4-1 start, and Knies has been a key factor in just about every win, including last night's 6-4 win over the previously undefeated Winnipeg Jets.

Knies saw nearly 19 minutes of ice time in the win, posting 3 shots on goal, 3 hits and a goal against one of the best teams in the National Hockey League, effectively bringing his total up to 5 goals and 6 points in 10 games -- putting him on pace for roughly 50 points this season.

Throughout the summer, there was some chatter about the Leafs and Knies opening up contract negotiations, but the most recent reports have suggested that the two sides have not exactly been grinding away at an extension tirelessly. The phrase "patience pays off" may not exactly be the best approach to this situation, as Knies appears ready to pop off at any moment.

The Leafs Nation's Nick Richard is among those who would like to see the Leafs raise the level of urgency to get a Matthew Knies deal done before it ends up costing the team more than it already will after his excellent start.

I tend to share the same sentiment. Knies is not only a quality young player with a bright future, but he appears to be a player that Craig Berube trusts and is very fond of, which could equal more and more ice time and opportunity as the season wears on. Given who he's sharing the ice with every night, those point totals may climb higher than anyone is expecting in just his second full season, and could mean a significantly larger pay day than originally expected.

Recently, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos revealed that if the Leafs want to ink Knies to a long-term deal, it may cost them something in the realm of what Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky signed for recently.

With the Leafs having checked off another important box on Monday, signing Jake McCabe to a new 5-year extension, GM Brad Treliving can now turn his attention to the next piece of business. While John Tavares and Mitch Marner both still need deals as well, if it were me, I'd prioritize getting Knies done first to avoid having to pay him an extra $1M-$2M per season or more on a long-term extension.