Opinion: Matthew Knies Is The Maple Leafs' Best Power Forward Since Gary Roberts

The Maple Leafs hit a home run with power forward Matthew Knies, says Adam Proteau. He is now one of Toronto's core forwards who deserves a lucrative contract extension.

Adam Proteau Dec 5, 2024

Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Matthew Knies has only been in the NHL for a short time, but he's earned a reputation as an up-and-coming power forward. 

The 22-year-old left winger has played only 106 career games, but this season, he's got 10 goals in 23 contests. That puts him on pace to score 34 goals in his sophomore NHL season, more than double the 15 goals he generated in the 2023-24 campaign. 

When Knies was recently out of the lineup for a couple of games, it was crystal clear how important he is to the Leafs' competitive hopes.

For the relatively cheap cost of $925,000 per season, Knies has been one of the best financial bargains in the league of late. And really, Knies is emerging as the best power forward the Leafs have had since Gary Roberts.

Now, some might argue that Toronto had an elite power forward in veteran James van Riemsdyk. We’d respectfully disagree with that label for van Riemsdyk. 

While Knies is a physical winger who can regularly be found digging the puck out of the offensive zone corners, van Riemsdyk was more of a competitor who did his utmost to avoid physical contact. There's nothing inherently wrong with that approach, either.

But for too long, the Leafs were a team that shied away from being a physical bunch. Knies is a different breed. 

When you next watch a Leafs game, watch how often Knies is either right in front of his opponent’s goalie or in the corners digging out pucks. You’ll quickly come to recognize what he brings to the table. He’s more than willing to take a hit to make a play, and he helps his linemates – superstar center Auston Matthews and William Nylander or Mitch Marner – to thrive as one of the best lines in the league.

Really, can you think of another Leafs forward who can put up points and welcome physical-minded performances the way Knies has and Roberts did during their time with Toronto? We can’t.

It has been about two decades now since Roberts played his robust physical game for Toronto. In the four years Roberts was a Leaf – from 2000 to 2004 – he generated at least 21 goals three times. 

Roberts always was a dynamic physical force, which is why so many NHL teams valued him throughout his career. If Knies were ever to hit the open market, you’d better believe he’d be pursued by many, if not most, NHL teams.

Knies Is A Core Component Of The Maple Leafs

Knies is scheduled to be an RFA this summer, and Leafs GM Brad Treliving must get his signature on a contract extension post-haste. 

With the rising salary cap ceiling freeing up money for the Maple Leafs, it would behoove them to give Knies a long-term deal before the current season is over. 

We’re not suggesting Knies will be an offer sheet target for many teams, but we are saying it only takes one opposing team to throw out a big-money, big-term contract offer sheet that forces the Leafs’ hand and puts player and club in different economic strata. This is why it’s so important for Treliving to strike soon with an extension for Knies.

Treliving also has to figure out how to re-sign star right winger Marner first and foremost, but Knies’ performance this season has made him an integral part of the Buds' roster, and his next salary will reflect his importance to his team.