I think Toronto fans needs to temper expectations about Knies a good amount. He was a PPG player in the NCAA, and while that is a good stat line for someone in their D+1 year, it doesn’t really show 1st line in 2 seasons. Playing with Matthews/Marner would help, but this reminds me of how Toronto fans were pencilling in Robertson up the lineup after the playoff games he played.

Yea I see what you mean.

I see zero need for Haula. Leafs system has some good options for 3C (Steeves, Abruzeese) which would save the team cap space here.

Niemelä I let marinate for another year with the Marlies. Signing a 3rd pairing RD on a short deal maybe a better move, since Brodie expires at the end of the year. Let the kids hit the ground running.

Not a fan of the Bunting signing for cap purposes. Worth the money, but both Robertson and Knies fill out top 6 rolls (or project to), meaning that is $5 million on the 3rd line. All for insurance policies, but that one is expensive. Engvall for me would be a cheaper option in the roll frankly, although not 100% ideal.

Just a lot of unnecessary spending here with a still soft blueline.

The flip side of this Knies arguement is a NCAA PPG guy named Erik Cole. He was an excellent top 6 option in his prime. Since Cole, the NCAA's development has improved greatly.

Not saying you are wrong, just presenting a flip side to the Knies argument.

I’m actually sold on Mathew Knies tbh. He reminds me a little bit of a young Anders Lee only he’s a better skater. That being said I’m a big believer in the idea NCAA guys can translate very well to the NHL. There is a good balance between young talent and more experienced guys in the NCAA. It’s kind of like a middle ground between juniors and the minor leagues lol.

I don't think most leaf fans are going by his stat line. They are going by his skill set. Great forchecking power forward who blows people up. Also has some of the best hands in college hockey. Excellent vision. I can't say for certain he will be playing top 6 after this season but I don't think it's out of the question. Probably a better winger to play opposite of nylander though.

Bunting at 5x$5M is a bit rich, $3.5M seems reasonable - he’s been great but track record is light and playing with Matt’s /Mitch would help anyone’s numbers. Given all of the deadline trades we made, leaf’s still have a relatively decent prospect pool. Knies should be a lock next year (maybe for playoffs this year), especially if he can slot it with Mitch/ Matts or JT/Willy + Robertson needs a lengthy look (if he can stay healthy). May be not next year, but hopefully Niemelä, Hirvonen & Amirov 🤞 can can crack lineup in 24 and contribute. Need those elc deals 😀

It is irrelevant whether Seattle is a NO for Muzzin or not. Seattle neither has the need for another LD, nor the cap space for him.

Yeah, I’m more basing this off just about every leafs 23-24 thread I see has him in a top 6 roll, and most on the top line. I’m not saying he’s not going to be good, but it can be hard for a power forward type starting in the NHL with those kinds of minutes/responsibilities. The NCAA is a good middle ground between juniors/men, but the step up to the NHL for someone whos game relies on power/speed can be difficult.

The leafs don't need a 3C they have Kampf. Kampf is amazing at the shutdown role and took most of the D-zone faceoffs. He is the top center on the PK and was a +12 playing against teams topline or 2nd line.

I think further to the point, Steeves, Abruzzese or Douglas could make the jump.

Leafs surprisingly deep when it comes to bottom 6 forwards that will contribute.