Elliotte Friedman believes the Leafs are eyeing long-term extension for key player: it is not Mitch Marner

The next 12 months could be the most important in the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they aim to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1967, and whether they do that or not, they've got two huge extensions potentially looming in the summer. Both John Tavares and Mitch Marner are eligible for that in 2025, but given the way this summer has gone for both of them, this season could play a huge role in what their futures hold.

Regardless of that, it appears the Maple Leafs are looking at another potentially massive extension too, with Elliotte Friedman recently speculating that the team are eyeing a big role and an extension for rising star Matthew Knies.

On paper, locking up Knies is a no-brainer for Toronto, as he is not yet at the peak of his value, so if the team can get him signed for a further six or more seasons, it will be huge for this roster. 2023/24 was the first full-time taste of the NHL for Knies in Toronto, with 15 goals and 35 points in 80 games played showing he can be a genuine threat for them, and with his spot in the lineup now coming alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, it's clear what the team think of him.

Knies is currently on the final year of his three-year entry level contract, with the 21-year old set to become an RFA next season, and with the team looking to avoid the drama that came with Nick Robertson, it's a no brainer. The performance of the former second-round pick in 2024/25 will go a long way to determining the value of his next contract, but if he continues to rise, there's no reason why Toronto wouldn't want to lock him up for as long as possible.