Abruzzese, Knies prime targets to fill the Leafs' last two contract slots
Kyle Dubas made one move on deadline day, trading minor league defenseman Alex Biega to Nashville for future considerations. That the Leafs did not receive a player back means this was a move made by Dubas to free up a contract spot.
The Leafs are currently sitting at 48 player contracts, 2 below the league maximum and with 2 much talked about prospects playing in the NCAA Frozen Four tournament this weekend, it appears those slots are already spoken for, as Dubas mentioned during his media availability just after the deadline past.
Matthew Knies, Nick Abruzzese, Mike Koster, John Fusco, and Ryan Tverberg are all Leaf prospects currently playing in the NCAA, Koster and Fusco are the lesser known of the bunch and are not likely in the running for those contract slots. Of Knies, Abruzzese and Tverberg, two of them are likely to join the Leafs following the conclusion of the Frozen Four, with Abruzzese and Knies being the most likely candidates.
The Leafs are looking to revamp their fourth line, and with the addition of the feisty Colin Blackwell, Kyle Dubas maybe have addressed that need. However, depth is not a bad thing and if Knies and Abruzzese can showcase their skills in their potential upcoming NHL auditions, not only will they receive a longer look at training camp this fall, but if they impress, one of these prospects may be able to lock down an actual roster spot.
While Knies definitely has the better NHL frame at 6'3, 210 lbs, Abruzzese is much further along in his development curve. As wild as it sounds, I could see Abruzzese, 22, being the one who comes in and leaves a lasting impression - though Knies, 19, should certainly not be counted out just yet, despite his age.
The Leafs could also pivot to unsigned NCAA free agents that their scouts may be very high on and sign them instead, delay signing Knies and Abruzzese to their ELC's until this summer or later.
| POLL | ||
MARS 21 | 267 ANSWERS Abruzzese, Knies prime targets to fill the Leafs' last two contract slots Who will lock down a full time roster spot first - Matthew Knies or Nick Abruzzese? | ||
| Abruzzese | 30 | 11.2 % |
| Knies | 216 | 80.9 % |
| Dark horse: Tverberg | 21 | 7.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
