The Best and Worst Value Contracts Among Toronto Maple Leafs Forwards

Best Value Contracts Among Leafs Forwards

Matthew Knies The 2024-2025 season is the final year of Knies' entry-level contract. He will earn $925,000 and take up just 1.12% (tied for 343rd league-wide at forward) of the Leafs cap space. Duplicating last season's numbers (15 goals and 36 points) would still provide value for that cap hit, but Knies seems primed for a breakout.

Knies has been one of the few Maple Leafs that has upped their game during the postseason. His size, skill, and willingness to get involved in puck battles point to a high ceiling.

Bobby McMann During the 2023-2024 season, McMann grabbed hold of a regular job among the Leafs top nine forwards. He scored 15 goals in only 56 games and earned a promotion to left wing on the second line. That's where he currently slots in on the Maple Leafs depth chart.

General Manager Brad Treliving was proactive and signed the big left-winger to an in-season extension. The late-blooming McMann is signed for two more years with a $1.35 million AAV. The AAV ranks 299th league-wide with a 1.53% cap hit. That's a great deal for a potential twenty-goal scorer that plays a power game.

Auston Matthews The Maple Leafs star center has the highest cap hit in the league at $13.25 million and ranks third (15.06%) in cap percentage, but is among the team's value forwards? Yes, he is.

The annual odds-on favorite to win the Rocket Richard Trophy in combination with stellar defensive play is earning every cent. As the NHL salary cap rises, this deal will look even better as it runs to the end of the 2027-2028 season. By then, Matthews will likely have earned himself a significant raise. For now, this is a desirable deal to the Leafs.