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Toronto Maple Leafs Send Strong Message to Their Youth Amid Matthew Knies Negotiations
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Matthew Knies and the Toronto Maple Leafs are far apart in their contract negotiations, and it is sending a real message to the team's younger stars who will eventually need new deals.
The Leafs and Matthew Knies have been trying to negotiate a new deal prior to July 1st, although it seems as though things haven't gone according to plan.
As we have reported, Knies and the Leafs are far apart. The forward's camp is asking for a lot, and while we don't know the details of their demands, we just know the Leafs are having a hard time closing.
Both the term and the dollar amounts are being highly contested right now, and general manager Brad Treliving isn't showing any signs of weakness.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Matthew Knies contract talks
In Nick Kypeos' report for the Toronto Star, he was very adamant that Knies and the Leafs are far apart. Furthermore, the league has been surprised to see this take place.
With that in mind, you can expect some teams to poke around and send offer sheets Knies' way in an effort to force the Leafs' hand and make them spend more than they would like to.
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.
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.
However, if you are a Leafs fan, you should actually be encouraged by all of this. Why? Because the Maple Leafs are showing that they will not be bullied.
During the Kyle Dubas years, the Leafs would give in to Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, which would lead to them taking advantage.
The Leafs don't want to hear the term "bridge deal" ever again, and it is easy to see why. Only time will tell whether or not they can actually avoid one.
This is going to be a fascinating situation to watch play out, and we will continue to pay attention over these coming days and weeks.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 447 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Send Strong Message to Their Youth Amid Matthew Knies Negotiations Do you believe Matthew Knies and the Toronto Maple Leafs will have a deal done before July 1st? | ||
| YES | 363 | 81.2 % |
| NO | 84 | 18.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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