Matthew Knies and John Tavares Reportedly Closing In on New Deals with Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are close on new deals for Matthew Knies and John Tavares, according to reports.
NHL Insider Darren Dreger says that the Toronto Maple Leafs are close on an extension for pending Free Agents John Tavares and Matthew Knies, potentially closing a deal to sign both before both are available on July 1st.
Tavares and Knies have been viewed as likely extension signings for the Leafs although bumps have been reported. However, it seems more likely than not that the two will be back in Toronto, and Dreger's new reporting on TSN affirms such.
According to Dreger, both Tavares and Knies extending in Toronto are high priorities for Leafs GM Brad Treliving, the team focused on keeping two of their top players for the next couple of years, and preferably before the start of free agency.
Toronto Maple Leafs Making Progress On Tavares, Knies Extensions
Dreger shared where the Leafs stand on Tavares and Knies heading into the draft and with free agency looming, and how the outlook is on a new contract for both players.
This morning it sounded like it was really slow moving, and now I think there's been progress made today, I'm careful in hesitating in how I describe this because I don't know if it's solely with Tavares, if it is I'm fascinated to see what the complexity of that deal would like that, but he's been grinding away at Matthew Knies as well. Those guys are obviously the priority to head into the weekend.
While Dreger's comments reflect what seems like a lack of clarity on where exactly both sides are in extension talks, he also gives fans optimism that a deal is being worked out, and something the Leafs are strongly committed to see get to the finish line.
Toronto has remained focused on signing Tavares and Knies to new extensions, although both sides remain committed to a firm number that is slowly being chipped away into what both sides hope is a reasonable compromise.
Tavares is an UFA, meaning he has more freedom to dictate his decision, although he's made it clear he'd like to remain a Leaf, while Knies is an RFA and will have less control, although he too will like to stay in Toronto.
The Leafs hope to have both Tavares and Knies back in Toronto as it becomes more likely that Mitch Marner is going to sign elsewhere, and the Leafs are focused on not losing anyone else at forward.
Leafs Hoping To Get Tavares, Knies Done As Marner Decision Looms
The Toronto Maple Leafs are making sure that they have the right pieces to deal with what will be a very different Toronto Maple Leafs roster next season.
Along with Marner, the Leafs will have a different look with longtime team president Brendan Shanahan out as his contract was not renewed by Toronto's ownership.
The Leafs could also have a few players exiting as they shift to a new identity that focuses more on intensity and strength, mimicking teams like the Florida Panthers who have prioritized being bigger and stronger.
Mitch Marner had been criticized over his maturity and lack of grit, where Knies is valued as a potential power forward in the making and Tavares a proven leader throughout his NHL career.
Likely to head to the Western Conference, although with nothing finalized, Marner's time in Toronto is running out.
For Tavares and Knies, they're hoping to be able to not have a complete roster turnover and still keep some of their key stars.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 647 ANSWERS Matthew Knies and John Tavares Reportedly Closing In on New Deals with Maple Leafs Should the Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign John Tavares and Matthew Knies? | ||
| Yes | 561 | 86.7 % |
| No | 14 | 2.2 % |
| Yes Tavares, No Knies | 13 | 2 % |
| Yes Knies, No Tavares | 59 | 9.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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