If you were hoping for the Toronto Maple Leafs to get an extension done quickly with Matthew Knies, think again.

In the grand scheme of things, the Knies camp choosing to be patient with negotiations makes a lot of sense. At this point in his young career, it’s tough to project what the 22-year-old could ultimately end up being. Furthermore, there’s no question that after this season, both parties should have a decent understanding of where things are headed.

Simply put, if Knies continues to perform the way he has in the early season, the Leafs will have no choice but to pay him. Honestly, I would think that they probably already have a ballpark idea of what that contract might end up looking like. Even if the sample size is relatively small, putting the framework together shouldn’t be difficult. After all, more times than note, there’s always a contract comparable out there somewhere. For what it’s worth, provided the number isn’t ludicrous, I think a long-term extension makes the most sense in this instance —not a bridge deal.

Speaking of which, of note, Jake Neighbours, who has the same agent as Knies, inked a two-year deal worth $3.75 million per season on Tuesday. For comparison’s sake, Neighbours, who’s the same age as Knies, has played 32 more career games than the latter and is coming off a breakout 27-goal campaign. It almost goes without saying but it would make a lot of sense for Neighbours’ contract to be viewed as sort of a starting point for talks. Knies will get more, though, especially if he continues to rack up the points.

Any way you slice it, the 2022 second rounder is on track for a career year. Through seven outings, he’s notched three goals and an assist playing predominantly on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. In short order, he’s found a way to really complement those two big boys, which in recent memory, has been difficult for wingers to do.

For now, all we can do is watch on as Knies continues to evolve as a player. Rest assured, at the end of the day, there’s mutual interest from both sides to come together on a deal that would keep the Arizona native a Maple Leaf for considerable time.

Eight years, please.