Many Leaf fans would prefer Dubas deal their first round pick instead of the coveted former second round pick. Knies currently has 17 goals and 31 points in 29 games at the University of Minnesota and is expected to join the Leafs once his NCAA season ends.
On the "Kyper and Bourne" show, Nick Kypreos revealed that the stock and hype surrounding Knies is ridiculous from other management around the league and believes Dubas should use that to his advantage if he includes Knies in any deal. The way Kypreos phrased it was; "I'm giving you the best power forward prospect in the world, what are you giving me?" He also called Knies the most dynamic power forward not playing in the NHL.
While Kypreos is known for his outlandish takes, once suggesting the Leafs should trade William Nylander for Nick Ritchie and Brandon Montour, he makes a very good point about Knies. Every team wants a power forward, and they're hard to find. Couple that with Knies' playmaking and goal scoring abilities and he is a one-of-kind prospect and one that the Leafs shouldn't deal unless they're the ones receiving an overpay.
POLL | ||
11 FEVRIER | 533 ANSWERS Former NHLer re-frames how any Matthew Knies trade conversations should start for the Leafs Should the Leafs keep Knies or trade him for a top piece at the deadline? | ||
Trade him | 82 | 15.4 % |
Keep him | 451 | 84.6 % |
List of polls |