Matthew Knies’ new deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs might be a preview of what’s coming for the NHL’s next wave of stars, including Connor Bedard.
Toronto signed the 22-year-old winger to a six-year, $46.5 million extension, locking him in at $7.75 million per season and keeping him in blue and white through 2030–31. The Leafs moved early, getting it done before Knies could even test restricted free agency.
Matthew Knies’ Deal Could Impact Connor Bedard’s Future Contract
Last season was a breakout for Knies with 29 goals, 29 assists, 58 points in 78 games, plus another seven points in the playoffs.
The contract stands out because it swerves away from the “max-term” trend that’s dominated recent RFA signings. That shift could matter for other young names about to hit the market with Bedard chief among them.
“Knies taking six years instead of going full term definitely turns some heads,” one NHL agent said, pointing to a similar approach from Wyatt Johnston. “You’ve got Cooley, Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson all up for extensions soon, and right now everyone’s watching to see who sets the bar.”
This move came amid a busy Toronto offseason. The Leafs shipped Mitch Marner to Vegas for Nicolas Roy, picked up Matias Maccelli, and re-signed John Tavares and Jake McCabe to cheaper deals.
By buying out a year of Knies’ unrestricted free agency, Toronto may have created a contract blueprint for Chicago’s talks with Bedard. With the NHL salary cap projected to climb, Knies’ $7.75 million AAV could look like a bargain before long.
Connor Bedard and Blackhawks Begin Extension Talks
General manager Kyle Davidson confirmed this summer that conversations are underway. Bedard, the 2023 first-overall pick, is heading into the final year of his three-year entry-level contract worth $2.85 million.
“I probably don’t want to get too far into it, but we are talking,” Davidson shared. “So, I think that’s an indicator of an openness to discuss.”
Davidson noted that the rising cap and a new CBA on the horizon could complicate the pace of negotiations. The league’s spending ceiling is expected to jump over the next few seasons, which could make long-term structuring a moving target.
Since arriving in Chicago, Bedard has led the team in scoring in back-to-back seasons, posting 67 points last year and earning the Calder Trophy in 2023–24. Even as the Blackhawks languished at the bottom of the Central Division, he’s been clear about wanting to be part of the rebuild.
Davidson says the front office will keep looking for depth help, but admits the main priority is securing Bedard for the long haul.
For his part, Bedard has embraced the challenge. Calling Chicago “a special sports town,” he’s signaled that he’s in it for the climb back to contention. And with Knies’ new deal now a fresh data point, the market for the NHL’s next superstar contracts might already be shifting.