Insider Shares Important Update Regarding Maple Leafs Winger Matthew Knies
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Photo credit: � Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
A trusted NHL Insider has shared an intriguing update on Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, amid a strong sophomore season.
During training camp, Knies revealed that he intends to be a Maple Leaf for a long time, but there has not been much progress made on an extension for the 22-year-old in the final year of his entry-level deal.
Knies has been off to a torrid start to begin his second season in the NHL, scoring his 10th goal of the season on Monday night.
Despite missing a couple of games after taking a huge hit from Zach Whitecloud in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights a couple of weeks back, Knies has 15 points through 22 games and is setting himself up for a nice raise.
According to The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta, it's not so much the money Knies and the Leafs are far apart on, but rather the term. The good news is that the two sides are back to negotiating table at least.
"I discussed this with Nick Alberga on Leafs Morning Take earlier, they have re-engaged and resumed contract discussions with Matthew Knies and his side.
They'd like long-term, it sounds like (the) Knies camp is looking a little shorter, not necessarily a two-year bridge but maybe three four years, but again the Leafs want to go full stride. So we'll see where that goes, if that develops.
One of the things for Toronto right now... he's controllable, they don't have to rush into a deal. I wouldn't be surprised if this gets carried on to the off-season, but they've at least resumed talks in hopes of maybe seeing if they can get something done sooner than later."
They'd like long-term, it sounds like (the) Knies camp is looking a little shorter, not necessarily a two-year bridge but maybe three four years, but again the Leafs want to go full stride. So we'll see where that goes, if that develops.
One of the things for Toronto right now... he's controllable, they don't have to rush into a deal. I wouldn't be surprised if this gets carried on to the off-season, but they've at least resumed talks in hopes of maybe seeing if they can get something done sooner than later."
Knies burst onto the scene during the 2023 playoffs, not looking out of place and many considered him to be the Leafs' best forward during their series against the Boston Bruins last post-season.
The former second-round pick has picked up where he left off against Boston and has thrived under new head coach Craig Berube, receiving more ice time on the power play, penalty kill and more defensive responsibilities at 5-on-5.
It would appear as though the Leafs have realized that the longer they wait to get an extension done, the more it will cost them regardless of the length of deal.
Getting back to the table to get a deal done sooner than later should not only help the Leafs, but the fans fans as well, as they would prefer not to have this dragged out like previous extensions for William Nylander, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews were.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 2573 ANSWERS Insider Shares Important Update Regarding Maple Leafs Winger Matthew Knies What is a fair length deal for Knies and the Leafs? | ||
| 3-4 years | 899 | 34.9 % |
| 5-6 years | 1206 | 46.9 % |
| Leafs shouldn't budge off of 8 years | 383 | 14.9 % |
| 1-2 years | 85 | 3.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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