One Key Factor Will Decide Matthew Knies' Extension with Maple Leafs, per Insider
Matthew Knies is expected to sign a long extension with the Maple Leafs, however, some new info shows one critical factor in making sure they come to an agreement.
To say that the second full season for Matthew Knies is a success could be considered a massive understatement. Exploding on offense and providing some much needed physicality and toughness at the top, he's quickly becoming not only on of the best players on Toronto, but seemingly the league.
But for the man designated as a 'unicorn' in the NHL for his mix of scoring, speed, and hitting prowess; the future is bright for Knies. That future might end up being elsewhere if the Maple Leafs find themselves at the mercy of an offer sheet and can't spend the money to keep him around.
Though in order for everything to get worked out, there seems to be one big thing stopping a deal from getting done, and it's something that Toronto's dealt with all season.
Mitch Marner's Contract The Kickstarter For Toronto's Remaining Deals
It's Mitch Marner. Are you surprised? The headlines have been dominated this season with speculation about whether or not Marner will stay or leave, how much money he'll make, and if he's finally going to be able to shake the postseason monkey off his back.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, Knies' future deal hinges on what happens with Toronto's superstar free agent:
It all starts with Mitch Marner. What happens with the pending UFA will shape the rest-once that's sorted, the decision on Knies will follow.
But Johnston also revealed that while there's a potential for Knies to be offer-sheeted (and what team wouldn't want to put in an offer?) his camp isn't concerned, and Toronto is the desired destination:
Matthew Knies isn't really interested in entertaining an offer sheet this summer. That's not something he or his agent are pursuing heading into the offseason.
On top of that, the Leafs feel they have enough cap space to get their business done this summer.
Whether it's a long-term or short-term deal, and how much money is left, will depend on that. But as of now, the Leafs are in a strong position to sign him. And if an offer sheet does come in, they'd likely match it.
On top of that, the Leafs feel they have enough cap space to get their business done this summer.
Whether it's a long-term or short-term deal, and how much money is left, will depend on that. But as of now, the Leafs are in a strong position to sign him. And if an offer sheet does come in, they'd likely match it.
If Toronto is able to re-sign Marner, it looks like the deal that Knies will get might involve a bridge deal or something like a four-year, $26.5M deal that will get much cheaper in the coming years and set him up for a huge extension as he hits his prime.
But if Marner walks, expect Knies to get a hefty payday with the potential to reach an eight-year, $72M deal if the team wants to give him essentially the max deal.
For a player who adds so much versatility with scoring, playmaking, body-checking, defense, and grit; that's a pretty good price especially with some of the other contracts Toronto and other teams have given out.
In 74 games this season, Knies has 55 points (29G, 26A), 180 hits, 43 PIM and a plus-two rating and this season alone already has two hat tricks.
It's the type of performance that you'd take from any player let alone a 22-year old in only his second full season. The future is blindingly bright for both the Maple Leafs and for Knies.
It's just going to be up to Mitch Marner's future decision that will set in line the fate of Matthew Knies in blue and white.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 12 | 370 ANSWERS One Key Factor Will Decide Matthew Knies' Extension with Maple Leafs, per Insider Will Toronto end up being able to re-sign Matthew Knies? | ||
| Yes | 356 | 96.2 % |
| No | 14 | 3.8 % |
| List of polls | ||