Maple Leafs under pressure as NHL trends toward early extensions
The recent contract extension of Brock Faber by the Minnesota Wild has sent ripples across the NHL, especially impacting the Toronto Maple Leafs as they ponder the future of their own rising star, Matthew Knies.
The league is witnessing a surge in teams securing their young talents early, a strategy that could spell a complex negotiation landscape for the Maple Leafs.
Brock Faber, a former University of Minnesota teammate of Knies, inked an impressive 8-year deal worth $8.5 million per season this Monday. Both born in 2002 and alumni of the Big-10, these players have shared paths to the NHL albeit with different draft timelines due to Knies missing the cut-off for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by merely a month. Faber, drafted by the Los Angeles Kings and later traded to Minnesota, has already marked his presence in the league by finishing second in the Calder Trophy voting after a standout season featuring 8 goals, 47 points, and an extensive average time on ice of nearly 25 minutes over 82 games.
This trend of locking in young talents isn't new, with examples like Jake Sanderson with Ottawa and Owen Power with Buffalo showcasing long-term commitments well before these players hit unrestricted free agency. The strategic foresight by these teams aims to manage salary cap impacts effectively while securing core players for the long haul.
For the Maple Leafs, this poses a pressing dilemma highlighted by their past contractual challenges with stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, whose negotiations have historically stretched into the regular season, often resulting in hefty payouts.
The case of Faber is a clear signal that Toronto needs to strategize effectively for Knies. While not yet commanding an $8.5 million average annual value (AAV), the potential for his salary to inflate if the Leafs delay is palpable.
Matthew Knies, anticipated to join the elite line alongside Matthews and Marner, is in a pivotal position. His performance this upcoming season could significantly dictate his market value. The Maple Leafs, guided by Brad Treliving, face not just a financial decision but a strategic one, balancing the risk of escalating costs against securing a key asset for their future.
As the NHL evolves with more teams opting for early renewals, the Maple Leafs must navigate their complex salary structure and historical negotiation tendencies to make a timely decision on Knies. The clock is ticking, and the decision they make could define their competitive landscape for years to come.
Source: MAPLELEAFSDAILY
Trouble in Toronto as Matthew Knies sees ex-NCAA teammate land $68M deal
| POLL | ||
When are the Maple Leafs going to try to close a deal with Matthew Knies? | ||
| Before the season starts | 15 | 65.2 % |
| Next season | 8 | 34.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
