Maple Leafs' Next Big Move May Already Be Set, per Darren Dreger's Latest Update
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto's next biggest move this offseason has been revealed by NHL Insider Darren Dreger, and it involves making sure Matthew Knies sticks around.
The offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs is going to be one that all fans are going to be focused on, especially with a departing Mitch Marner, who the team may bring in, and if they are bringing back guys like John Tavares and Matthew Knies back long-term.
Matthew Knies deal top priority on Toronto's list: Darren Dreger
Speaking of Knies' deal, there's a lot of talk about what type of extension he'll get, if there are any potential offer sheets, and whether or not he's going to be worth the money at the end of the day.
For NHL Insider Darren Dreger, he knows all of that is leading to Brad Treliving making sure it's one of his first priorities.
It's certainly going to be one of the things the team needs to focus on, and with time ticking down for some decisions, they don't really have much time to sit on things; though Knies does have a lot of control in the matter.
The debate seems to hinge on whether or not the Maple Leafs want to offer Knies a three or five-year extension, or go all out and offer a full-on eight-year pact.
There's a chance Knies becomes a superstar and demands a huge pay increase come free agency, or he could keep at this pace which is still a very respectable top-six forward.
So toeing the line between potential and reality is going to be tough for Brad Treliving, but he does have his options.
What could a Matthew Knies deal potentially look like?
Well, if you're talking about a bridge deal, you could expect a contract in the range of about $7-8M per season, giving him a very respectable salary increase and trying to gauge his star power while he's still young and under control.
The issue there is that if he becomes a star and therefore too expensive, Toronto sees yet another homegrown star walk for nothing, and a player like Knies is almost harder to find than a Mitch Marner.
But giving him an eight-year deal is also a bit of a double-edged sword. You're basing the next eight years on this past season and his projected pace; not a guarantee whatsoever.
If Knies ends up playing up to his potential, it could be a potential steal. Though if he stays above average, but under elite; or heaven forbid regress, then it'll be a huge gamble that won't pay off.
That deal will cost Toronto a total of $64M if they were to go all out, and paying a soon-to-be 23-year old with only one real breakout season is a tough pill to swallow, even if his potential as a game changer is undeniable.
Knies, 22, had 58 points (29G, 29A) in 78 games for the Maple Leafs after a fantastic campaign. In addition to the offensive output, he put in a blistering 182 hits, while increasing his ice-time by nearly five minutes.
He started to show how good he can be, but the timing is admittedly rough with all the things going on for Brad Treliving.
Though it seems like getting him back for the long-haul is the next thing on the list, and once that domino falls: Get ready for a wild offseason.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 523 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' Next Big Move May Already Be Set, per Darren Dreger's Latest Update Will the Maple Leafs get Matthew Knies signed before July 1? | ||
| Yes | 472 | 90.2 % |
| No | 51 | 9.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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