It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours to start the work week. We’re past the NHL trade deadline, but there plenty of moves to be made. The NCAA men’s college hockey season is heading towards tournament. This means some prime college picks may make the jump to the pros. Some general managers wonder if some of these talented players will sign their deals. The Toronto Maple Leafs are waiting to see if Matthew Knies signs his entry-level contract.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Leafs Hoping Matthew Knies Signs Deal
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Luke Fox talked about if the University of Minnesota product will sign at the end of the season. Knies was drafted in 2021 with the 57th overall selection. He’s shown plenty of promise in his two college seasons with the Golden Gophers. The Phoenix native scored 21 goals in the regular season and helped Minnesota to a possible top overall seed in the NCAA’s.
Quick Shifts: Countdown to Matthew Knies in Toronto begins | 2023 UFA class will be thin on star power | Timothy Liljegren under pressure | Doubling down on dads' trips + 8 more NHL things https://t.co/AhyCptf8Z4 pic.twitter.com/LJKWdO6rek
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) March 11, 2023
Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas has just over $928,000 in salary cap space and that lines up for the maximum entry-level deal of $925,000. Knies slowly fit back in with the Golden Gophers’ system and resisted the urge to take on defences by himself. The 6-foot-3-inch, 210 pound forward has been physical in his time in college.
Impact on if Matthew Knies Signs
There’s always a lot of pressure for a highly-doubted prospect to deliver. This rings true with someone trying to make the Maple Leafs’ roster. College prospects like Cole Caufield have delivered in spades, but no one knows how Knies will take to the pros. However, he could fit into the bottom of the lineup and give the lineup a jolt.
There’s a lot of pressure on Dubas to deliver Toronto out of the first round, but there are potentially tough matchups awaiting. However, Knies might be someone that can give the Leafs that extra push. Dubas has done his best to keep Knies out of deals and he’s hoping that can help.
Main photo by: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
