Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
The Terms of Matthew Knies' Next Contract with the Leafs Just Got a Significant Update
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is a restricted free agent as of July 1st, and the franchise is working hard to get him a new contract as soon as possible.
Matthew Knies had a spectacular sophomore campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he was able to score 29 goals and add another 29 assists.
Now, the young forward needs a new contract, and the Leafs are working diligently to make it happen. Of course, you don't want to lose a player like that.
As of July 1st, other teams can offer sheet Knies. However, the winger has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to stay with the Maple Leafs, and that's it.
Long-term or bridge for Matthew Knies?
The big decision for this deal is going to be regarding the term. Will he receive a long-term deal or a short-term deal?
Aaron Korolnek of TSN 1050's FirstUp posed that question to fans. Three-quarters of the Leafs fanbase wants Knies to get signed to a long-term contract.
75% [of a poll] want to lock up Matthew Knies for eight years, 25% wants bridge. So do you sign him for eight?
While Carlo Colaiacovo believes a long-term deal would be good, Knies cannot be making a dollar more than $8 million per season. Otherwise, he should just get a bridge.
Yeah, if it's 8x8 [8 years, $8M per] sign me up. Anything more seems like a little bit of a stretch.
I think he had an amazing year and created an identity for himself but you lock him up for eight years because you like one year of hockey; but then struggle to see him play that style for the next couple years, you ask 'Why did we commit eight years?'
It's why I hate eight-year deals. There's so much that changes year to year, let the guy go out and earn it then pay him whatever, who cares? The cap is rising anyways.
If you sign him for three years and he turns out to be this superstar, it doesn't change the contract he would make now. Are we talking $1M? $2M? Worry about it then, I'm all for the bridge deal.
Keep the carrot dangling in front of these guys, when a guy gets too comfortable sometimes it's hard to keep them motivated. They come into the season and go 'What do I have to prove? I got my money.'
Not saying he's that guy but there's more situations across the league than there isn't with guys locked into eight-year deals who never fulfill that potential because they got too comfortable.
I think he had an amazing year and created an identity for himself but you lock him up for eight years because you like one year of hockey; but then struggle to see him play that style for the next couple years, you ask 'Why did we commit eight years?'
It's why I hate eight-year deals. There's so much that changes year to year, let the guy go out and earn it then pay him whatever, who cares? The cap is rising anyways.
If you sign him for three years and he turns out to be this superstar, it doesn't change the contract he would make now. Are we talking $1M? $2M? Worry about it then, I'm all for the bridge deal.
Keep the carrot dangling in front of these guys, when a guy gets too comfortable sometimes it's hard to keep them motivated. They come into the season and go 'What do I have to prove? I got my money.'
Not saying he's that guy but there's more situations across the league than there isn't with guys locked into eight-year deals who never fulfill that potential because they got too comfortable.
This is going to be a fascinating situation to watch play out, and by all accounts, an extension could be announced in the next week or so.
Fans will be praying that this is the case, but we will just have to wait and see. No matter what, it seems more likely than not that Knies will be with the team for the long-haul.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 291 ANSWERS The Terms of Matthew Knies' Next Contract with the Leafs Just Got a Significant Update Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will sign Matthew Knies to a long-term contract? | ||
| YES | 270 | 92.8 % |
| NO | 21 | 7.2 % |
| List of polls | ||