Matthew Knies Still Without a Deal as Leafs Send a Message to the Organization's Young Stars
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs restricted free agent forward Matthew Knies is still without a contract though that might be design as the team shifts their mentality in all aspects.
There's only a couple of weeks until free agency opens up and the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be a team that is heavily under the microscope not only when it comes to who they bring in, but who they ship out.
One pressing matter they haven't gotten around to yet as well is Matthew Knies' contract extension. The RFA is expected to get a big deal, but with nothing announced yet, some fans are getting antsy.
Toronto trying to change things; play the long game with their youth
But for NHL Insider and Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos, he believes that the reason Knies hasn't received a deal yet is because Brad Treliving is trying to change how things are done when it comes to handing out big money deals:
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.
It may also indicate a new philosophy on being tougher when it comes to handing young star players money and term like the previous regime. - 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.
It may also indicate a new philosophy on being tougher when it comes to handing young star players money and term like the previous regime. - Nick Kypreos
There's nothing wrong with playing the waiting game and making sure the team isn't overcommitting to Knies, however there is still a deadline to get this done before focusing on other free agents.
Toronto's free agency depends on Matthew Knies' deal
If Knies ends up getting a huge eight-year deal for $8-million per season, there's a really good chance the Maple Leafs take it a bit easier this summer when it comes to making a splash.
However if he sign's a shorter bridge deal for potentially a bit less money, that excess will be able to give Toronto some more wiggle room when it comes to their signings.
Plus, there's a chance that a desperate team will try and present an offer sheet for him and while that's not a huge possibility, it still is one regardless.
Knies, 22, had a breakout season and established himself as one of the most unique offensive players in the league. This season he had 58 points in 78 games (29G, 29A) but also added 182 hits, 41 blocks and a blistering 19.2% shot rate while adding nearly five minutes to his ice-time.
Keeping him around is going to be imperative to their future success, and there's a very good chance he becomes one of the best players in the league in a few years.
So it's time the Maple Leafs gave him a deal, and while they want to change their approach to how they give young players contracts; Knies isn't your average player.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 700 ANSWERS Matthew Knies Still Without a Deal as Leafs Send a Message to the Organization's Young Stars Do you think the Maple Leafs will end up re-signing Matthew Knies before July 1? | ||
| Yes | 596 | 85.1 % |
| No | 104 | 14.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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