The Fourth Interval: David Pagnotta on what the Toronto Maple Leafs may pondering 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 received the Leafs. They’re sitting fairly on prime of the Atlantic Division. They received Austin Matthews again, and he hasn’t missed a beat. They’re going to get a couple of extra gamers again from harm. It looks like they’re trending in the suitable path.
So what do you assume they’re taking a look at? Are they taking a look at including some depth, preserving their eye on the commerce market? After which is there something internally that they should be taking a look at proper now, at this level within the season, after they’re pondering 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 type of poking across the middle market.
Now, with Fraser Minton coming in the previous couple of video games, he’s finished very well. He scored a aim Monday night time. 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. In order that they like what they see there. And if he continues his tempo of play, that may eradicate any want to herald a middle of their backside six. They could have discovered that internally, which shifts their focus to the second line.
I feel a second-line middle is what they want 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 choose this yr. They’ve a first-round choose subsequent yr. Will they give the impression of being to doubtlessly 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 feel Toronto will deal with making an attempt to enhance afterward 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 feels like Knies’s camp is trying slightly shorter. Not essentially a two-year bridge, however possibly three, 4 years. However once more, the Leafs wish to go full stride, so we’ll see the place that goes if that develops.
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You recognize, 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 shocked if this will get carried on to the offseason, however they’ve at the very least resumed talks in hopes of possibly seeing if they’ll get one thing finished before later.”
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