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 acquired the Leafs. They’re sitting fairly on high of the Atlantic Division. They acquired Austin Matthews again, and he hasn’t missed a beat. They’re going to get a number of extra gamers again from harm. It looks like they’re trending in the correct route.
So what do you assume they’re ? Are they including some depth, protecting 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 highway?
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Pagnotta: “Yeah. Properly, firstly, Kate, with respect to the present roster and the way it’s fashioned, they’re wanting and sort of poking across the middle market.
Now, with Fraser Minton coming in the previous few video games, he’s accomplished rather well. He scored a aim Monday night time. He’s he’s match actually properly. And Craig Berube, their head coach, mentioned 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 remove any want to usher in a middle of their backside six. They might have discovered that internally, which shifts their focus to the second line.
I believe a second-line middle is what they wish to add to this group in an ideal world. They don’t essentially have the numerous belongings 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 concentrate on attempting 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 facet of issues, or his facet, excuse me.
They’d like long run. It feels like Knies’s camp is wanting a bit shorter. Not essentially a two-year bridge, however perhaps 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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, 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 not less than resumed talks in hopes of perhaps seeing if they’ll get one thing accomplished prior to later.”
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