The Fourth Interval: David Pagnotta on what the Toronto Maple Leafs might considering they should add earlier than the commerce deadline, and contract talks with the Matthew Knies.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Kate Pettersen: “Different finish of the spectrum. You’ve obtained the Leafs. They’re sitting fairly on prime of the Atlantic Division. They obtained Austin Matthews again, and he hasn’t missed a beat. They’re going to get a number of extra gamers again from damage. It looks as if they’re trending in the correct path.
So what do you assume they’re ? Are they including some depth, retaining their eye on the commerce market? After which is there something internally that they must be proper now, at this level within the season, after they’re considering a pair months down the street?
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Pagnotta: “Yeah. Effectively, firstly, Kate, with respect to the present roster and the way it’s shaped, they’re trying and form of poking across the heart market.
Now, with Fraser Minton coming in the previous few video games, he’s completed rather well. He scored a aim Monday evening. He’s he’s match actually properly. And Craig Berube, their head coach, stated after the sport that it’s, he’s a sensible participant, a veteran participant that’s simply in a younger physique. So that they like what they see there. And if he continues his tempo of play, that may get rid of any want to usher in a middle of their backside six. They could have discovered that internally, which shifts their focus to the second line.
I believe a second-line heart is what they wish to add to this group in an ideal world. They don’t essentially have the numerous property they’re prepared to maneuver to do it. They don’t have a first-round decide this yr. They’ve a first-round decide subsequent yr. Will they give the impression of being to probably half with that? We’ll have to attend and see. I don’t assume something is imminent on that entrance, however the 2C place is an space that I believe Toronto will give attention to making an attempt to enhance in a while within the season.
The opposite factor, and I discussed this on and had mentioned this with Nick Alberga on Leafs Morning Take earlier, they’ve re-engaged and resumed contract discussions with Matthew Knies and his aspect of issues, or his aspect, excuse me.
They’d like long run. It seems like Knies’s camp is trying a bit of shorter. Not essentially a two-year bridge, however possibly three, 4 years. However once more, the Leafs need to go full stride, so we’ll see the place that goes if that develops.
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You understand, one of many issues for Toronto proper now, he’s controllable. They don’t need to rush right into a deal. I wouldn’t be stunned if this will get carried on to the offseason, however they’ve no less than resumed talks in hopes of possibly seeing if they’ll get one thing completed earlier than later.”
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