The Toronto Maple Leafs brought back a crucial part of the future of the team on Sunday, signing forward Matthew Knies to a six-year contract worth $7.75 million annually. The team made the official announcement on Tuesday morning, ahead of the opening of NHL free agency.

Knies, 22, took a significant step forward in terms of his own performance and his role with the team in 2024-25, scoring 29 goals and adding 58 points in 78 games in his second NHL season. He also scored five goals and contributed two assists in 13 playoff games for the team.

Speaking to the panel on TSN’s Free Agent Frenzy, Knies said that he’s elated to be back in Toronto and raved about the organization.

“I love the staff there, love the players, we get treated phenomenally,” Knies said. “It’s just a great spot for me. I think we really have a winning culture, I really trust Brad Treliving and Craig Berube to create a great team and give us the best chance to win.”

With Knies being a potentially attractive offer sheet target for teams looking to add a young, impact player, Knies made sure to clarify that signing an offer sheet never crossed his mind, shown in how the deal was done before he could even hit the market.

“No that wasn’t on my mind at all,” Knies said when asked about the offer sheet possibility. “I wanna be a Toronto Maple Leaf for good. I love it there and I call it home now.

The Maple Leafs made a couple of moves in the past 24 hours, including the addition of Utah Mammoth forward Matias Maccelli on Monday and the acquisition of forward Nicolas Roy in the Marner trade. Their most recent move was the signing of enforcer Michael Pezzetta of the Montreal Canadiens to a two-year contract at league minimum.

To follow along with all of the moves on Day 1 of free agency, check out our live blog tracking every move across the NHL by clicking here.