Latest Report Reveals Future of Pending Maple Leafs Free Agent Matthew Knies
Matthew Knies' contract status has been on the back burner due to the whole Mitch Marner situation, but it looks like things are trending in the right direction.
Given that Brad Treliving has a lot on his plate now that the NHL Trade Deadline is long behind him, and focus has shifted to both Mitch Marner and John Tavares' next contracts. There's questions about whether or not they're going to stick around, or head for 'greener' pastures (pun intended).
But there's still one big contract that's got to be dealt with, and it's that of restricted free agent Matthew Knies.
Already a star with the Maple Leafs, he's only going to get better, and it's imperative Toronto re-signs him before another team gets a chance to put in an offer.
Nothing But Knies: Toronto's Keen To Keep Star Forward
But new reports that have come to light can give Leafs fans some reassurance that Knies isn't going anywhere.
Per Luke Fox of Sportsnet, the Maple Leafs are very keen to keep the young power forward in the fold for the foreseeable future:
Berube has gone so far as to compare Knies to power forwards like Keith Tkachuk, Bill Guerin and John Leclair - comments GM Brad Treliving hopes Knies' agent didn't catch wind of.
In speaking with Knies, he has made it clear that he loves being a Maple Leaf and has no thoughts of leaving Toronto.
He has politely declined to publicly discuss the state of extension talks, but there is no doubt Treliving wants to keep him in the fold, rebuffing rival GMs' trade interest at the deadline.
In speaking with Knies, he has made it clear that he loves being a Maple Leaf and has no thoughts of leaving Toronto.
He has politely declined to publicly discuss the state of extension talks, but there is no doubt Treliving wants to keep him in the fold, rebuffing rival GMs' trade interest at the deadline.
Obviously there's been no reason for Knies not to stick with the team, and he could be a superstar and leader of this team for the next decade potentially, he's that good at only 22.
Brad Treliving previously commented on the young star and it was clear that he loved everything he brought to the table:
Matthew is just realizing how big and strong he is, and he's getting more comfortable. He's sort of grown right in front of our eyes.
So, he's a big part of our team now (and will) continue to be moving forward. And he's a unique player. You know, that's a big, strong man at 22 years old.
So, he's a big part of our team now (and will) continue to be moving forward. And he's a unique player. You know, that's a big, strong man at 22 years old.
For his GM to compare to him to Hall of Famers like LeClair, Guerin and Tkachuk is massive praise, and if he can follow the same trajectory and get to even half of their career output, it would be considered a huge win.
Knies has put in a solid season for the Maple Leafs thus far, with 44 points in 63 games (24G, 20A) which has already eclipsed his last season's total, and in only his second full professional season has hit the 20-goal plateau.
While it remains to be seen exactly how much Knies is going to sign for, expect it to be a long-term pact, with a long-term vision for the young power forward in mind.
| POLL | ||
MARS 19 | 464 ANSWERS Latest Report Reveals Future of Pending Maple Leafs Free Agent Matthew Knies How many years do you think Matthew Knies will sign with the Maple Leafs for? | ||
| 4 years | 116 | 25 % |
| 5 years | 174 | 37.5 % |
| 6 years | 73 | 15.7 % |
| 7 years | 101 | 21.8 % |
| List of polls | ||