"Not worth over 6 mil", "Steal": NHL X debate Matthew Knies' $46.5 million/6-year Maple Leafs extension

Matthew Knies' new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs sparked plenty of chatter among hockey fans. On Sunday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Knies inked a six-year deal worth $46.5 million. It carries an average annual value of $7.75 million.

As soon as the news broke, reactions poured in across social media. Some fans questioned the size of the deal, as one wrote:

"He's not worth over 6 mil"

Meanwhile, another fan thought it was a good deal, as they commented:

"Steal"

Here are some fan reactions.

"If you combine Tavares and Knies salary going forward--they are the same as the combined amount last year. In other words, NO NEW CAP ROOM. Treliving is hilariously bad at his job." one fan wrote.

"I like the deal, should prove to be good value for Leafs. But, I'm not seeing any sort of discount here.Knies did very well for himself," another fan wrote.

"He could have bet on himself with a shorter contract and made bank when the salary cap increased." a user wrote.

"Man, they really need to close the income tax loophole, all these players taking discounts to stay in Toronto, first Tavares, and now Knies, someone do something!," another user wrote.

Matthew Knies tallied 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in the regular season games. He also added five goals and two assists over 13 playoff games, proving his value on both ends of the season.

Maple Leafs will attempt to sign Brad Marchand on July 1

As the NHL free agency approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly eyeing a bold move – signing star winger Brad Marchand. With the recent signing of Matthew Knies, the Leafs currently have $13.57 million in salary cap space, and they're prepared to offer Marchand a lucrative deal in the $8 million per season range, as per analyst The Athletic's James Mirtle.

"As far as I can gather, the Leafs’ biggest bet on July 1 is apparently going to be an attempt to sign Brad Marchand. That would obviously eat up a huge percentage of their remaining cap space — likely in the $8 million range — with the understanding the 37-year-old would be a big part of their top-six for the next few years." Mirtle said.

NHL free agency is set to kick off at noon ET on Tuesday.