Leafs rejected Big Knies Trade, and Jets NHL News & Rumors – Hockey Writer – NHL Rumors
Amid today's NHL rumors, there's a lot to cover in the post-season media of Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, will Toronto Maple Leaf lead the free agent market on July 1? Finally, can Leaf trade Matthew Knies and even want to consider asking for a quote sheet or using his leverage to get a good contract in Toronto?
In the end-of-season interview with the Winnipeg Jets, it was clear that the team and some of their players had to consider a lot.
Mason Appleton is an imminently unrestricted free agent and losses will be something he has to consider when making his next career decision. He expressed a strong willingness to stay in Winnipeg, but the contract discussions have not yet begun.
Kyle Connor is eligible for a July 1 extension, with a deal expected to reach $10 million a year, while Brandon Tanev's future is still airing. The 33-year-old veteran said he likes playing in Winnipeg but has not had serious contract negotiations yet.
In the goal, Connor Hellebuyck admitted that he over-adjusted his game during the playoffs and therefore needed to find a new psychological approach to deal with the playoffs.
Finally, Nikolaj Ehlers will spend some time thinking about whether he stays or leaves Winnipeg. He flew over to join his Danish teammates in the IIHF Championship and may not make a decision immediately. Josh Morrissey commented on Ehlers’ pending UFA identity: “Obviously, these things are out of control, but I’ve been playing with Nikky for nine years. He’s an amazing player, an amazing player, an amazing teammate, an amazing person. I try not to think about those things too much, but of course I love playing with him and hope he’ll come back.”
Maple Leafs May Consider Mana Trade
Frank Seravalli, who faces daily, recently suggested that the Leafs might seek a trade destination for Marner, who wants to negotiate before July 1. If the team feels that Mana is unlikely to stay, GM Brad Treliving would rather take over the assets, no matter how limited it is, keep him from paying back.
Related: Maple Leafs Players Talk About Futures, and More NHL Rumors and News
Mana said it was too early to discuss his future and wanted to talk to his wife and family first. He said he loved Toronto and thanked him for his time in the franchise and the city, but most insiders seem to think he has gone a step after he became a polarized figure in his fan base.
Matthew Knies says no surface guesswork
Matthew Knies discusses his pending free agent and his thoughts on potential quotations and says he wants to be here. When asked if he could use his leverage as an RFA to get a better deal with the Maple Leafs, Knife replied: “I want to be here, I want to play here, and that’s important.”
Elliotte Friedman suggested that Leaf could have replaced Mikko Rantanen with a knife, but chose not to. They have plans for players and the organization makes a decision without first understanding the negotiations are going on and what kind of deals they intend to offer.
It is not clear whether the deal will reach an agreement with Carolina or Colorado, but there is an offer on the table to see if Rantanen is willing to separate from the knives, which the organization is reluctant to do.
