Toronto Maple Leafs Reportedly Second-Guessing Matthew Knies' Contract
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is eligible for a new contract this summer, but it seems like the franchise is a bit worried about what they should do.
Matthew Knies had a sensational sophomore season with the Toronto Maple Leafs as he scored 29 goals and added another 29 assists for 58 points.
This summer, the forward is officially a restricted free agent, which means opposing teams can sign him to an offer sheet, as long as he consents to it.
However, the Maple Leafs can avoid this by signing the forward to a contract extension prior to July 1st. Over the last few weeks, they have supposedly been negotiating said deal.
Matthew Knies contract extension
Unfortunately, it seems like the Leafs still aren't fully certain of how they want to proceed with the young forward.
According to James Mirtle, the Leafs are debating the pros and cons of signing Knies either to a long-term contract or a bridge deal.
They understand that signing him to a long term deal means an elevated AAV, and Mirtle himself isn't so sure of the value there for the Leafs.
- Wonders if there's value for the team in a long-term deal for Knies, taking on some risk.
- Mentions on paying him $8M-$8.5M right now on a long-term deal-how much more is he going to get?
- Thinks a bridge deal makes more sense for the Leafs (3 x $5.75M?).
- Mentions on paying him $8M-$8.5M right now on a long-term deal-how much more is he going to get?
- Thinks a bridge deal makes more sense for the Leafs (3 x $5.75M?).
The number being thrown around these days is eight years, at $8 million per season. Given where Knies is right now in his development, this seems like a fair compromise.
However, Knies may not want to give up precious UFA years in his prime, which could lead him to a bridge deal at a smaller amount. Unfortunately, the Leafs have already been burned by younger guys preferring bridge contracts.
Only time will tell whether or not Knies and the Leafs can figure this out before July 1st. An ofer sheet would be catastrophic.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17 | 495 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Reportedly Second-Guessing Matthew Knies' Contract Do you believe Matthew Knies will sign a long-term deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 429 | 86.7 % |
| NO | 66 | 13.3 % |
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