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Jay On Leafs: Brad Treliving Provides Major Update on Tavares & Knies |
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Brad Treliving Provides Major Update on Tavares & Knies
With the July 1st free agency period looming, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a franchise-altering moment. Three key players are in need of new contracts: superstar Mitch Marner and former captain John Tavares are pending unrestricted free agents, while Matthew Knies is a restricted free agent. General Manager Brad Treliving and various NHL insiders have provided updates on a series of high-stakes negotiations that will define the team's future.
Mitch Marner
The most critical negotiation is with Mitch Marner, who, according to GM Brad Treliving, is likely to test the open market. "Unless there is a significant change here, I would anticipate he's going to hit the market," Treliving stated Thursday.
Marner holds all the leverage as the top prize in this year's free-agent class. Should his camp and the Leafs remain at an impasse, he will be free to sign with any team.
John Tavares
Brad Treliving confirmed that talks with Tavares are ongoing and positive. "We both expressed a shared outcome, which is John wants to stay and we want to keep John," Treliving shared. Hope, however, doesn't finalize a deal. It's been widely reported that the Leafs' offer will reflect a reduced role for the veteran center, a stance that is a significant factor in negotiations.
While Tavares has publicly stated his desire to finish his career in Toronto, he remains a valuable commodity. On the open market, reports indicate he could command a multi-year deal worth over $7 million annually. It remains to be seen if Tavares will accept a hometown discount or if he will prioritize his market value, forcing one side to make a major concession.
Matthew Knies
Unlike the uncertainty surrounding the UFAs, the Maple Leafs are in constant contact with the camp for restricted free agent Matthew Knies. Treliving expressed confidence a deal will be reached, noting the deadline isn't as firm as it is for Tavares and Marner.
However, the situation is not without pressure. At his end-of-season media availability, Knies stated he wants to be a Maple Leaf for life and would not entertain an offer sheet, but circumstances can change. Another team could present an offer sheet to force Toronto's hand, a threat Treliving admits the team must be prepared for. Given the potential departure of Marner, the Leafs can ill afford to lose Knies, a powerful young winger who posted a promising 58 points last season. This gives his representation significant leverage in securing a favorable contract.
With less than a week remaining until July 1st, the pressure is mounting for the Maple Leafs' front office as they navigate a series of crucial decisions to avoid taking a significant step backward.
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