Maple Leafs face key decisions on Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies, per insider report
The Toronto Maple Leafs are approaching a critical offseason with two important players—Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies—at the center of major roster decisions. Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and according to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the direction the team takes with Marner could directly influence how Knies proceeds.
Johnston shared that Knies is not interested in exploring offer sheets when he becomes a restricted free agent. Neither he nor his representatives are actively seeking deals from other teams. The Leafs’ front office reportedly feels confident in their ability to retain Knies, assuming they manage their salary cap effectively—something that hinges heavily on Marner’s future.
🚨 Matthew Knies isn’t really interested in entertaining an offer sheet this summer. That’s not something he or his agent are pursuing heading into the offseason. On top of that, the Leafs feel they have enough cap space to get their business done this summer.
It all starts with… pic.twitter.com/bMi63exmKY
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) April 11, 2025
Whether Toronto offers Knies a short-term bridge deal or a longer contract with more financial commitment will likely depend on what happens with Marner. Johnston stated that the Leafs would be prepared to match any offer sheet for Knies, though they don’t expect that scenario to play out.
Marner stays focused on the current season
While speculation swirls around his future, Mitch Marner is keeping his attention on the remainder of the season. The Maple Leafs are still battling for the top spot in their division, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning by three points with just three regular-season games remaining.
Marner is putting together a strong campaign, nearing the 100-point mark. Still, he downplayed individual achievements and contract talk in a recent statement via Maple Leafs Daily. When asked about his contract and focus, Marner responded:
> “I don’t know. I feel like you guys asked me this last year or something — I really don’t care, in a way. I mean, we just want to win games, and try to get first in our division. If it happens, it happens, that’s great. But I’m just trying to go out there and win hockey games, and do what we do out there.”
Marner has previously expressed a desire to stay in Toronto, but with the playoffs on the horizon, he’s pushing all talk of his future aside for now. His decision, however, could have ripple effects throughout the organization—especially when it comes to locking in rising talent like Knies.