3 Important Pieces of Business the Leafs Need to Resolve Before Training Camp
The Maple Leafs are approximately 1 month out from the beginning of training camp, which means time is ticking to conclude three key pieces or business.
As the Leafs approach their first season under a new coaching staff, with a rebuilt blueline and a new goaltending tandem, there is certainly some excitement in the air. The Leafs did not alter the core, but there were still tangible improvements made, which will certainly help the team at least get closer to its goal of going on a deep playoff run.
While several areas of need were addressed with the additions of Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz, there are 3 very important pieces of business that are still outstanding. The Leafs would be wise to conclude these before training camp to avoid the media circus and the added distraction and pressure they will almost certainly invite if left unresolved.
1. MAKE A DECISION ON MITCH MARNER
Will he stay or will he go? The Leafs need an answer within the next month -- and if he stays, he had better show up to training camp with a brand spankin' new contract. This whole "I'm not going to respond to questions regarding my contract status" nonsense is juvenile and does not give fans any reason to feel like the player wants to be a part of the solution. It basically tells the fans "it's all about the money for me".
If the idea is to move him, do it in the next 30 days, because I think we'd all like a resolution one way or another this summer, so we can avoid talking about it for another year. There's also the risk of losing an elite player for nothing to consider.
Marner, on a number of occasions, has stated that he wants to be a Leaf for a very long time. If that's the case, Mitch, put pen to paper and put your money where your mouth is.
From the team's perspective, if Marner wants to stay, allowing him to enter training camp without a new deal in place would be an abject failure in my mind. You say you have faith in this core? You've certainly backed them when you shouldn't have in recent years, so if that faith hasn't wavered, get a deal done.
2. SIGN MATTHEW KNIES TO A LONG-TERM EXTENSION
Obviously, this franchise has had to learn the hard way, repeatedly, that waiting is not the best option and can have very expensive consequences.
Recently, Kyle Dubas revealed what he believes his biggest flaw was in the GM's chair in Toronto; not extending his stars a year in advance. In the end, the Leafs ended up paying for it, and are still paying for it, spending far more cap space than they would have on many of their players, most notably Mitch Marner. Reports have indicated that he could have been inked an entire year ahead of when he actually inked his 6-year deal worth $10.893M per season (now $10.9M with inflation).
Waiting for Matthew Knies to pop off and double last year's point totals as a sophomore this year, playing on the top line with some elite offensive talent, has trouble written all over it. Get this kid signed and get it done before camp, because even a strong preseason will inflate his value.
3. TRADE NICK ROBERTSON
Look. I like Robertson and I think he has the potential to be a good scoring winger. I'm even slightly worried that the Leafs will get an underwhelming return and then he'll go on a tear this year, becoming the newest example of "the one that got away". However, the kid doesn't want to be here, and if he doesn't want to be here, he shouldn't be. Full stop.
Robertson has had a very unfortunate start to his NHL career, with a lot of injury issues. Through it all, the Leafs were right there to help him along, never losing faith in him. Now, he completes one season at full health and wants to move on instead of rewarding that trust and patience by competing hard earning a roster spot? Something about that just irks me.
The last thing we need is another RFA holdout situation. If he doesn't want to be here, get him out.
Obviously, these aren't the only pieces of business needing to be addressed, but when it comes to what needs to get done before training camp begins, these are the 3 that stand out the most to me.
Which of these 3 items do you see as the most likely to occur before the start of training camp? Let us know in the poll below!
Source: NHL.comMarner contemplating future with Maple Leafs, staying 'would be a goal'
| POLL | ||
11 AOUT | 1158 ANSWERS 3 Important Pieces of Business the Leafs Need to Resolve Before Training Camp Which of these 3 scenarios is the most likely to play out before the start of training camp? | ||
| Marner signs or accepts a trade | 206 | 17.8 % |
| Matthew Knies signs an extension | 508 | 43.9 % |
| Nick Robertson is traded | 444 | 38.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
