BREAKING: Contract Talks Between Maple Leafs and Top NHL Star Hit Potential Snag . Toronto Maple Leafs commit to a long-term deal worth millions of dollars. Toronto key star needs another contract when the cap is over $115-120 million. For

With July 1st approaching quickly, contract negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Matthew Knies are reportedly not going as smoothly as expected. According to Nick Alberga of The Leafs Nation, the two parties remain “far apart” on the terms of a new agreement—an unexpected snag in what was initially assumed to be a relatively straightforward process.

Knies is coming off a breakout season, scoring 29 goals and recording 58 points in 78 games, along with seven points in 13 playoff appearances. The 21-year-old is clearly a major piece of Toronto’s future plans—especially as reports suggest Mitch Marner is unlikely to return next season. While Knies has expressed a strong desire to stay in Toronto, he also wants to secure a deal that reflects his rising value.

With the NHL salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next few years, the key issue in negotiations is determining the value of buying out Knies’ unrestricted free agency years. The current impasse may reflect Toronto’s hesitation between offering a long-term extension or opting for a shorter “bridge” deal. The risk for the Leafs is that if they choose the short-term route, they might have to renegotiate with Knies when the cap exceeds $115–$120 million. For Knies, locking in a lengthy contract now at a lower rate could mean leaving millions on the table later.

So far, the Leafs and Knies remain far apart in negotiations
Toronto’s front office already has a full plate—figuring out Marner’s replacement, determining John Tavares’ future, and potentially making changes to the defense if Morgan Rielly isn’t returning. Amid all this, securing Knies might be their top priority. A well-structured deal could benefit the franchise immensely, while a misstep could prove costly.

There is some positive momentum
Despite reports of a gap in talks, there are reasons to be hopeful. Both sides remain optimistic about reaching a deal before free agency opens. Neither Knies nor the Leafs have expressed any frustration with the process or relationship—something that can’t be said for the Marner situation.

As for the threat of an offer sheet, it’s not seen as a major concern. At most, it might serve as a negotiation tactic rather than a serious attempt to leave Toronto.