Matthew Knies has become a new priority for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have managed to retain John Tavares on a team-friendly deal. With Mitch Marner likely to leave in free agency, the Maple Leafs will have to play the contract negotiations smartly.
Knies is a restricted free agent, which means other teams can likely make an offer, but the Maple Leafs will reserve the right to match the offer and re-sign him. But it's always great if both parties can find a common ground without third-party intervention.
Talking about common ground, NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently dropped a concerning update suggesting anything but that. Seravalli said (via SportsNet):
"My understanding is they cannot come to an agreement on term... and it's impossible to even get close to a framework of a deal without first narrowing in on a term length that's acceptable for both parties... If I were to say 3 by $7 million, does that sound reasonable?"
If both parties come around to settle on a $7 million AAV mark, contract length will have to be negotiated. While Knies will like the security of a long-term contract, the Maple Leafs may not want his services for more than 5-6 years.
Another NHL insider, Paul Bissonnette, who is a Maple Leafs fan, suggested a five-year, $8.5 million deal. Bissonnette wants the Maple Leafs to get a deal done soon before July 1, before some other team comes and offers him a $10-10.5 million AAV contract and makes things difficult for Toronto.