Matthew Knies has come alive after breaking out of a big scoring drought. Can the Leafs forward continue to produce offensively on the top line? Could an extension be on the horizon for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz? The 28-year-old became eligible to sign a contract extension with the organization on January 1, the earliest date players on one-year deals can sign new contracts. Currently on a one-year, $775,000 contract, Lorentz has made his case for an extension with strong play through his contributions to the team’s bottom-six forward group. On Tuesday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman highlighted Lorentz in his 32 Thoughts column [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-what-happened-between-canucks-rangers/], noting that he couldn’t see the forward having many issues in reaching an agreement with the Leafs. “Jan. 1 is the earliest players on a one-year contract can extend… Can’t imagine too much trouble for Toronto and Steven Lorentz,” Friedman wrote. This isn’t the first time Lorentz’s name has been stirred up in contract extension talks. Back in October, after just four games, the Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos [https://x.com/TorontoStar/status/1846839146116968479] had previously reported that the Leafs were already impressed with Lorentz’s on-ice performance. His most notable moment came in a 4-2 road win against the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/], where he registered two points, including the game-winning goal. “Sounds like the Leafs are so impressed with Steve Lorentz’s start to the season that they would like to extend his one-year deal at some point in the new year,” Kypreos wrote. Through 42 games, the forward, who grew up a fan of the Leafs, has recorded four goals and four assists for eight points – maintaining his presence in the starting lineup. While his offensive numbers may not leap off the page, his value lies in his energy, physical play, and old-school approach – qualities that have gravitated him to head coach Craig Berube. From a contractual standpoint, what began as a professional tryout offer (PTO) turned into a one-year deal, and now, possibly, an extension to remain with the team – Lorentz has embraced the opportunity to play in Toronto. For the Leafs, extending the Waterloo, Ontario, native could ensure his utilization as a depth piece for another handful of seasons, proving value at his current $775,000 cap hit. Besides, the forward has expressed his gratitude to play for his hometown team, making an extension even easier to imagine. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
