In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll speculate on the upcoming seasons for three key players on the team. What will happen to Matthew Knies, John Tavares, and David Kampf? Why is each valuable to the Maple Leafs upcoming season?
Additionally, I’ll explore Fraser Minten’s prospects, questioning whether he’ll secure a spot on the roster out of training camp or if he’s necessarily relegated to starting with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Toronto Marlies.
Item 1: Speculating on Matthew Knies’ Potential Impact in His Second Season
The Maple Leafs can expect significant contributions from Knies in his second season. Building on a promising rookie year, where he delivered clutch performances, including scoring crucial goals and showcasing his versatility in high-stakes situations, Knies has shown he is built for regular season and playoff success.
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With 15 goals and 20 assists in his first season, Knies demonstrated his potential as a consistent scorer. If he can elevate his offensive production to reach the 25-goal mark, it would significantly boost the Maple Leafs’ offence. Additionally, his physical presence, highlighted by 45 penalty minutes and 22 hits in six playoff games, underscores his ability to impact the game defensively while maintaining discipline.
Knies’ success will also hinge on establishing consistency in a top-six role, a position he proved capable of handling last season. Regularly contributing to the scoresheet, maintaining high energy levels, and being reliable in offensive and defensive situations will be key to his breakout potential. If Knies can achieve these objectives, he’s poised for a standout season and could become a key player for the Maple Leafs in 2024-25.
Item 2: Will John Tavares Retire a Maple Leafs Player?
Tavares remains a productive player, as evidenced by his 29 goals and 65 points last season. Still, his $11 million cap hit is no longer justifiable. However, he has expressed a desire to stay in his hometown, and a team-friendly extension could benefit him and the Maple Leafs.
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Assuming Tavares wants to stay and the team wants him, he could sign a shorter-term, team-friendly contract next offseason. At the same time, he could turn over the captaincy to Auston Matthews. Tavares’ cap hit with a new contract would no longer be a financial burden. That would allow the Maple Leafs to allocate resources more effectively and enhance the team’s overall depth. A realistic scenario could see Tavares re-signing on a short-term deal for around $3.5 million annually (similar to Max Domi’s new contract). It could enable him to continue contributing while providing his team with much-needed cap flexibility and the solid third-line center the team has needed since Nazem Kadri’s departure.
(Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
Without the baggage of an $11 million salary, Tavares could be appreciated for who he is – a hometown hero and on-ice leader who busts his rear to contribute effectively. This shift would benefit the team financially and allow fans to value Tavares for his dedication and contributions without the weight of his hefty contract. Allowing Tavares to retire in a Blue & White uniform would allow him to enjoy the gratitude of the fans for his dedication and service to the team.
Item 3: David Kämpf: Unheralded Hero the Maple Leafs Can’t Afford to Lose
Recently, there have been rumors about a potential trade involving Kämpf. Why? From my perspective, moving this player would be a significant mistake for the Maple Leafs. He is a defensive rock who excels as a bottom-six center, faceoff specialist, and penalty killer. In all these ways, he adds immense value to the team beyond the scoresheet.
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Kämpf’s ability to shut down opponents, make smart plays, and maintain strong defensive positioning has made him a critical part of the team’s lineup. His proficiency in winning faceoffs and killing penalties provides a solid defensive posture. The Maple Leafs’ decision to re-sign Kämpf at an average annual value of $2.4 million was strategic and financially responsible, ensuring reliable strength down the middle without overcommitting financially.
Kämpf’s defensive skills and reliability are valuable, even in a league where offensive statistics often take the spotlight. He showed well internationally when he led his Czechia team to a 2-0 win over Switzerland this past offseason at the World Championship. He also showed he has an offensive upside. Trading Kämpf would be shortsighted, potentially disrupting the effectiveness of the Toronto lineup. As the team strives for postseason success, Kämpf’s presence will continue to be a significant factor.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
One of the big questions on my mind is what the Maple Leafs will do with young prospect Fraser Minten. Until Easton Cowan came along, Minten was the Maple Leafs’ next best thing. He made the team out of training camp last season and played four games before returning to junior hockey. Minten has leadership potential. While he’s not projected to be a top-six scoring threat, he’s smart, talented, and defensively sound. He’s poised to be a solid middle-six center for a long time.
What happens to him this season? Is he naturally bound for the Marlies, Toronto’s AHL team? Or could he earn a spot in the Maple Leafs’ lineup out of training camp? We don’t know much about new coach Craig Berube and his stance on starting youngsters. If ever there was a season when the Maple Leafs could benefit from integrating good young talent into their bottom six, it would be this one.
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I’m betting Cowan makes the team because there’s no other choice. However, because Minten could go to the Marlies, does that mean he’s bound for the AHL even if he shows promise to make the big team’s lineup? These decisions will significantly shape the team’s season and long-term success, highlighting the crucial balance between developing prospects and achieving immediate results.
