Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies emerges as top target for 2025 RFA offer sheets

The St. Louis Blues made headlines late in the offseason by issuing offer sheets to Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. With the Edmonton Oilers' GM Stan Bowman choosing not to match these offers, both players signed with the Blues-Holloway for $4.58 million and Broberg for $9.16 million on two-year deals. This unexpected move sparked a lot of chatter among fans and analysts alike, particularly in light of the otherwise quiet period preceding these events.

Indeed, Knies made a notable impact during his rookie year, registering 20 goals and 35 points in 80 games. His performance, with an average of 0.8 goals per hour of play and nearly two points per game, underscores his potential. However, the challenge for the Maple Leafs will be managing their salary cap, which is already stretched with significant contracts tied up in Core 4 forwards like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Given the hefty contracts signed by Holloway and Broberg, Knies could become a prime target for competing teams looking to capitalize on Toronto's cap constraints.

Gretz further noted,

As the Leafs face the prospect of managing their already expensive roster, they might find it challenging to accommodate Knies if he garners significant interest. The situation will be one to watch closely, as Toronto could face tough decisions regarding their young forward's future.

Source: Bleacher Report
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