Matthew Knies' Future With Maple Leafs Now Unclear Amid Conflicting Reports
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Matthew Knies is one of the brightest young players in the NHL right now, and he is due for a raise, which is putting his future with the Maple Leafs in jeopardy.
For the longest time, the Maple Leafs were known to give in to their star players' demands.
This led to the Leafs having four players getting paid over $10 million each this past season, and it affected their depth. However, the Leafs are looking to turn the tide and are playing hardball with their youngsters, starting with Matthew Knies.
Toronto changing the way things work leading to some delays
Insider Nick Kypreos pointed out how it was surprising that Knies does not have a new contract yet, and it is a product of the Knies camp standing firm with their valuation.
A few eyebrows are being raised with no announcement of a new contract for RFA Matthew Knies as we inch closer towards July 1.
Some early indications point to a very large ask by the Knies camp, and the Leafs could be reluctant to give in at this point. - Nick Kypreos
Some early indications point to a very large ask by the Knies camp, and the Leafs could be reluctant to give in at this point. - Nick Kypreos
Now, insider David Pagnotta has shared how he is receiving conflicting information regarding Knies' contract negotiations. One of the parties believes the deal is close to getting done, while the other feels it is not close at all.
It's all about perspective. Contract talks between Toronto and the Knies camp are active, but plenty of work remains. One side tells me they are not close to a new deal, while the other side disagrees. Still feel this falls in the 3-5 year range, whenever it gets done. - David Pagnotta
In all likelihood, the side that believes the deal is not close is the Knies side, as Kypreos' earlier report indicates that they are not budging.
Toronto's delays could mean an offer sheet is a distinct possibility
Knies, a pending restricted free agent, will have the opportunity to speak with other teams and field offers for a potential offer sheet, which could throw the Leafs' offseason into pandemonium.
If Knies were to receive a five-year deal at a price more than the Leafs can stomach, then he would leave for far less than he is worth. But if the Leafs matched that deal, then Knies would get what he believes he is worth, but the Leafs would have less money to pay their depth pieces.
Knies, 22 years old, is coming off his sophomore NHL season where he scored 29 goals and 58 points, a massive jump from his 15 goals and 35 points his rookie year.
He is a modern NHL power forward at 6'3 and 227 pounds who can score at an elite rate while adding in a ton of physicality.
For the Leafs to lose him so young in his career would be abysmal, and Brad Treliving must give in to Knies' demands or risk losing him later.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 652 ANSWERS Matthew Knies' Future With Maple Leafs Now Unclear Amid Conflicting Reports Will Matthew Knies sign an offer sheet to get the value he deserves? | ||
| Yes | 337 | 51.7 % |
| No | 315 | 48.3 % |
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