The contract will begin with the 2022-23 season and has an average annual value of $925,000.
The 20-year-old forward had 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) in 40 games as a sophomore for the University of Minnesota, and his seven game-winning goals tied for the NCAA lead. He had one shot on goal in a 3-2 overtime loss to Quinnipiac in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday.
"In two seasons playing for Coach Motzko and his program at the University of Minnesota, Matthew has participated in two Big Ten championship games, two NCAA Frozen Four Championships, one World Junior Championship tournament and one Winter Olympic Games," said Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas. "The impact of that experience in addition to the massive steps the program at University of Minnesota has helped him take on and off the ice are something that we are forever grateful for. We look forward to welcoming Matthew to our Club this week and helping him continue down the great development path he has been on with the Gophers."
Knies was chosen in the second round (No. 57) of the 2021 NHL Draft. He was voted Big Ten Player of the Year, named Big Ten First-Team All-Conference and a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, presented to the best men's Division I NCAA player, which was won by University of Michigan forward Adam Fantilli (https://www.nhl.com/news/michigans-adam-fantilli-wins-2023-hobey-baker-award/c-343260098), a top prospect for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft.
"It's been my home for two years now," Knies said after the championship game, reflecting on his two seasons at Minnesota. "I've made all my friends and family there. It's a special place. It's a special group in this locker room. The memories we had on and off the ice, I don't think I will ever forget those."
NHL.com independent correspondent Corey Long contributed to this report
