Matthew Knies: Bio, salary, stats and future with Leafs
If you’ve been watching the Toronto Maple Leafs lately, you’ve probably noticed a big, skilled winger wearing number 23 who seems to be involved in every important play. That’s Matthew Knies, the 22‑year‑old Arizona native who went from a second‑round draft pick to a top‑six forward in less than two years.
Age: 22 (as of October 2024) ·
Position: Left Wing ·
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs ·
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, USA ·
Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) ·
Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
Quick snapshot
- Born October 17, 2002 in Phoenix, Arizona (NHL.com)
- Drafted 57th overall in 2021 by Toronto (NHL.com)
- Signed 3‑year entry‑level contract April 9, 2023 (GopherSports)
- Signed 6‑year, $46.5M extension July 1, 2025 (NHL.com)
- Specific ethnic background (no official statement)
- Exact net worth (public estimates vary)
- Whether he will remain a Leaf beyond the new deal (though long‑term commitment suggests yes)
- 2002: Born in Phoenix
- 2021: Drafted by Maple Leafs
- 2023: NHL debut & first playoff goal
- 2025: Hat trick vs. Bruins (Jan 4); signs long‑term extension (July 1)
- Top‑six role with expanded minutes under new coach Craig Berube
- Key piece of Leafs’ core alongside Matthews, Marner, Nylander
- Potential for more power‑play time and career‑high production
Knies’ rapid rise — from USHL to NCAA champion to NHL top‑six winger in two years — is rare for a second‑round pick. The Maple Leafs locked him up before his entry‑level deal expired, betting that his 6‑foot‑3 frame and net‑front presence will anchor their forward group for years.
The key facts below, drawn from official and specialist sources, show how Knies’ physical tools, draft pedigree, and early production align.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Michael Knies |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| Height / Weight | 6′3″ / 210 lb (191 cm / 95 kg) |
| Shoots | Left |
| NHL Team | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Draft | 2021, Round 2, 57th overall (by Toronto) |
| NHL Debut | April 2023 (playoffs) |
The implication: his draft position and rapid ascension make his contract a key benchmark for second-round picks.
What ethnicity is Matthew Knies?
Knies was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and holds American citizenship. His surname is of German origin, but no public statement from Knies or his family details specific ethnic ancestry. The known facts: he was raised in the U.S., played youth hockey for the Tri‑City Storm of the USHL, and attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix (NHL.com (Spanish)).
The pattern: his Arizona roots make his rise even more notable in a non-traditional hockey market.
Where was Matthew Knies born?
Knies was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 17, 2002 (NHL.com).
What is Matthew Knies’ nationality?
He is an American professional ice hockey player. He has represented the United States at the junior level, winning a gold medal at the 2021 U‑18 World Championship.
Does Matthew Knies have a Hispanic background?
There is no verifiable information confirming Hispanic ancestry. His surname is Germanic, and his family has not publicly discussed ethnic roots. Without an official statement, any claims remain speculative.
Knies’ background is typical of an American hockey player from the Southwest; his Arizona roots underscore his unusual path.
What is Matthew Knies’ salary?
Knies signed a three‑year entry‑level contract on April 9, 2023, with a $925,000 cap hit (GopherSports). That deal was superseded by a six‑year, $46.5 million extension signed on July 1, 2025, carrying a $7.75 million average annual value (NHL.com; PuckPedia). Performance bonuses on his entry‑level contract could have added up to $850,000 per season, but with the new deal those bonuses are folded into base salary.
The catch: the extension locks him in at a price that reflects his potential.
What is Matthew Knies’ NHL contract?
His current contract runs through the 2030‑31 season. The extension makes him one of the highest‑paid wingers on the team, behind only Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
What is Matthew Knies’ net worth?
Net worth is not publicly disclosed. Based on his entry‑level earnings and the new $46.5 million guarantee, industry estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $10 million as of mid‑2025.
How does his salary compare to other rookies?
Among players drafted in 2021, Knies’ $7.75 million AAV is the highest of any second‑round pick from that class and ranks among the top five of all 2021 draftees who have signed second contracts (CapWages).
The pattern: if he matches his 2024‑25 pace (58 points), the cap‑hit percentage will look like a bargain.
The Leafs committed to Knies at a price that reflects his potential to produce 30+ goals and 60+ points regularly.
Where does Matthew Knies live?
As a Maple Leaf, Knies resides in Toronto during the season. His hometown remains Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up and where his family lives. Specific details of his current Toronto housing are not publicly available, but it is common for young, single athletes to rent condos downtown.
The trade‑off: living in a hockey‑mad market like Toronto means constant attention off the ice.
Does Matthew Knies live in Toronto?
Yes, he lives in Toronto during the NHL season to be close to the team’s practice facility and arena.
What was his hometown before the NHL?
Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Brophy College Preparatory and played for the Tri‑City Storm of the USHL before moving to Minnesota for college (NHL.com (ES)).
Is he living in a rented apartment or house?
No public information is available about his specific residence.
Is Matthew Knies staying with the Leafs?
Yes, unequivocally. The six‑year extension signed on July 1, 2025, locks him in through the 2030‑31 season. General Manager Brad Treliving has repeatedly praised Knies’ fit, calling him “a big, physical forward who drives the net and can score” (NHL.com). No trade rumors have been reported around Knies since the extension.
The pattern: the Leafs rarely lock up wingers before their entry‑level deal expires unless they see franchise‑caliber potential.
Is there any trade rumor involving Matthew Knies?
As of the 2025 off‑season, no credible trade rumors exist. The extension effectively ends any speculation.
What is the duration of his current contract?
Six years, from 2025‑26 through 2030‑31.
Has the Leafs management expressed interest in keeping him?
Yes. Treliving and president Brendan Shanahan have both stated that Knies is a core piece. Coach Craig Berube has indicated he will feature Knies on the top power‑play unit.
“He’s a big, physical forward who drives the net and can score.” — Brad Treliving, via NHL.com
Knies’ extension is a clear vote of confidence from Maple Leafs management.
Is Matthew Knies married?
Matthew Knies is not married and has no publicly known spouse or long‑term romantic partner. He keeps his personal life low‑key.
What this means: at 22, Knies is focused on his career.
Does Matthew Knies have a girlfriend?
No public information about a girlfriend is available. Knies has not spoken about his relationship status in interviews.
Does Matthew Knies have a brother?
Yes, he has a younger brother named Trevor Knies, who also plays hockey. Trevor is a forward in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) (Elite Prospects).
What is his family background?
His mother and father have supported his hockey journey but maintain a private profile. His father, Mike Knies, played college hockey at Air Force.
While Knies’ future in Toronto looks secure, his $7.75 million cap hit begins in a flat‑cap environment. If his production dips, the contract could become a burden. But his trajectory — 29 goals as a sophomore — suggests the Leafs made a calculated bet that will pay off.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6′3″ (191 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) – listed as 227 lb by some sources (Sports Forecaster) |
| Shoots | Left |
| Position | Left Wing / Right Wing |
| Draft year | 2021 (2nd round, 57th overall) |
| NHL debut | April 10, 2023 (GopherSports) |
| Entry‑level contract | 3 years, $925K cap hit (2023–2025) |
| Current contract | 6 years, $46.5M total, $7.75M AAV (2025–2031) |
| 2024‑25 stats | 29 goals, 29 assists, 58 points in 82 games (NHL.com) |
| 2024‑25 playoff stats | 7 points in 13 games |
| College | University of Minnesota (NCAA), 2021–2023 |
| USHL team | Tri‑City Storm (2018–2020) |
The pattern: his production and contract structure make him a key financial benchmark for the Leafs’ future.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place (October 17, 2002, Phoenix, AZ) – NHL.com
- American citizenship – NHL.com
- Drafted 57th overall in 2021 by Toronto – NHL.com
- Signed entry‑level contract April 9, 2023 – GopherSports
- Signed six‑year extension July 1, 2025 – NHL.com
- Position: left wing – NHL.com
- Not married – public records
- Brother: Trevor Knies – Elite Prospects
- 2024‑25 stats: 29 goals, 29 assists, 58 points – NHL.com
What’s unclear
- Specific ethnic background (no official statement)
- Exact net worth (estimates only)
- Whether he will remain a Leaf beyond 2031 (too far to predict)
- Precise residence in Toronto
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the decision is clear: they invested heavily in Knies because they believe his combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ is rare. If he continues on his current trajectory, the $7.75 million cap hit will look like a steal. If he plateaus, the cap burden could complicate future roster moves. But based on his age and production, the odds favor the Leafs.
hockeycomparables.com, es.wikipedia.org, sports.yahoo.com, nhl.com, youtube.com, sports.yahoo.com
The trajectory of Matthew Knies’s early NHL career invites comparison with fellow forward Matthew Tkachuk, another young forward whose contract details have drawn attention.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Matthew Knies?
He was born on October 17, 2002, making him 22 years old as of the 2024‑25 season.
What is Matthew Knies’ height and weight?
Listed at 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) and 210 lb (95 kg) by most official sources, though some teams list him at 227 lb.
Where did Matthew Knies go to college?
He played two seasons at the University of Minnesota (2021–2023) and won an NCAA championship in 2023.
What number does Matthew Knies wear?
He wears number 23 for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When did Matthew Knies make his NHL debut?
He debuted on April 10, 2023, in the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
What are Matthew Knies’ career stats?
Through two NHL seasons (2023–2025), he has 43 goals and 44 assists for 87 points in 164 regular‑season games, plus 8 points in 22 playoff games.
Which hockey player is Matthew Knies compared to?
Scouts often compare him to a power‑forward like James van Riemsdyk because of his net‑front presence, but his skating and hands are more refined.
Does Matthew Knies have any siblings?
Yes, a younger brother named Trevor Knies who plays junior hockey in the OHL.
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