Matthew Knies' Contract Demands Have Left the Toronto Maple Leafs No Choice
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is a restricted free agent as of July 1st, and both sides are trying to get a deal done before the offer sheets roll in.
Matthew Knies is certainly deserving of a big contract. However, it is clear that the Toronto Maple Leafs are feeling a bit conflicted about how to maneuver the situation.
A bridge deal makes more sense for Knies; however, a long-term deal would be preferable for the Leafs. The issue is that Knies does not want to waste UFA years, which means he would command a huge salary over the long haul.
Despite starting contract negotiations at the conclusion of the Leafs' postseason run, we still don't have an announcement in regards to an extension.
Matthew Knies contract negotiation
In a recent article in the Toronto Star by Nick Kypreos, it was stated that Knies and his camp have some pretty lofty contract demands, which have elongated the proceedings.
However, as Kypreos suggests, this might just be general manager Brad Treliving taking a hard stance following the actions of guys like Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
A few eyebrows are being raised with no announcement of a new contract for RFA Matthew Knies as we inch closer towards July 1. Some early indications point to a very large ask by the Knies camp and the Leafs could be reluctant to give in at this point. It may also indicate a new philosophy on being tougher when it comes to handing young star players money and term like the previous regime.
Whatever the case may be, this is not the kind of situation the Leafs want to let fester. Knies is a great player, and an offer sheet could be a disaster.
Of course, Knies has already stated that he will not sign an offer sheet. But if both sides are far apart, he may be left with no choice as a means of getting back close to his club.
Hopefully, the Leafs and Knies can figure all of this out very soon. It would be a shame for things to go South between both sides so soon.
With free agency in just over a week from now, we will certainly see a ton of storylines play out.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 19 | 429 ANSWERS Matthew Knies' Contract Demands Have Left the Toronto Maple Leafs No Choice Will the Toronto Maple Leafs and Matthew Knies agree to a deal soon? | ||
| YES | 399 | 93 % |
| NO | 30 | 7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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