Matthew Knies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $7.75 million.
The 22-year-old forward had NHL career highs in goals (29), assists (29), points (58), power-play points (15), game-winning goals (six) and time on ice per game (18:31) in 78 regular-season games, and seven points (five goals, two assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Maple Leafs last season.
Knies could have become a restricted free agent at noon Tuesday.
"I just wanted to be here as long as possible really; I wanted a longer term,” Knies said. “This deal fit with my trajectory as a player, this was kind of the sweet spot for both of us. I was excited to get it done and get it done before free agency and try to help them out as much as possible. I don't think the bridge deal was in my head, I really wanted to go long term."
Selected by Toronto in the second round (No. 57) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Knies has 94 points (44 goals, 50 assists) in 161 regular-season games and 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 27 playoff games.
"We think Matthew is just scratching the surface in terms of what he is capable of, and certainly he was very committed from the outset to be here and wanted to be here,” Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said.
Toronto traded forward Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights for forward Nicolas Roy on Tuesday. Marner, who could have become an unrestricted free agent, signed an eight-year, $96 million contract.
On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs signed forward Vinni Lettieri to a one-year contract for $775,000.
The 30-year-old split last season between the Boston Bruins and Providence of the American Hockey League. He had five points (three goals, two assists) in 26 NHL games.
NHL.com independent correspondent Dave McCarthy contributed to this report
