Leafs reportedly among finalists for coveted top-6 winger
Kyle Dubas told reporters last week that he wasn't interested in moving Matthew Knies or his first round pick for a rental this season. Most took that to mean that the Leafs were out of the running for Timo Meier. A report from ESPN insider Kevin Weekes today contradicts that idea. According to Weekes, the Leafs, Devils, Golden Knights and Hurricanes are the 4 finalists in the Meier sweepstakes.
A deal for Timo Meier could work on multiple levels, as his production and physicality have been talked about ad nauseam but it's important to re-iterate. Timo Meier would lead the Leafs in both hits and goals this season. If there's one player to go all in on, it's Meier. No other player available at the deadline would be close to the impact he would bring.
What's interesting is his status as an RFA, although his $10M qualifying offer makes re-signing him difficult. If the Leafs were unable to sign Meier to an extension, they could easily trade his RFA rights for a decent return after the season ends, meaning that he wouldn't be a pure rental. Perhaps Dubas wasn't being dishonest, just clever. I would still try to avoid giving up Matthew Knies if at all possible, but if he is the difference between getting Meier and seeing him go to another team, I think the Leafs may just have to do it.
| POLL | ||
14 FEVRIER | 414 ANSWERS Leafs reportedly among finalists for coveted top-6 winger Would you give up Matthew Knies in a deal for Timo Meier? | ||
| Yes | 183 | 44.2 % |
| No | 231 | 55.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
