Matthew Knies believes the post-Mitch Marner Leafs can succeed
Treliving was relieved to have 'a big piece' settled ahead of July 1.
'These RFA files can go well into the summer. I commend Matty, his representatives and (assistant GM) Brandon Pridham. We all dug in on this for what seemed like months and came to a good conclusion.
'We think he's just scratching the surface of what he's capable of.'
Knies, who had 29 goals and 29 assists in his second full season said John Tavares' decision to come back with a hometown discount a few days ago made a major impression. Knies stayed at then team captain Tavares' house when he broke in a couple of years ago.
'That means a lot that he believes in the program and wants to stay,' Knies said. 'I've learned a ton from that guy and look forward to four more years soaking up all that knowledge.
'We have a great group of unbelievable players, we're continually making the playoffs and making pushes. That was a huge part of (wanting to return). The culture and the city, I just love it all.'
Knies planned to celebrate his new deal with friends and family during Fourth of July week in his home country, but said he'll go right into training for 2025-26.
'I don't think I have to get any heavier,' said the 227-pounder. 'There is a lot of room in the skating aspect to be better and faster, turning a bit of that weight into muscle and becoming quicker and faster, more prepared, get stronger in the smaller areas (of the ice).'
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Edmonton Journal
17 hours ago
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Matthew Knies believes the post-Mitch Marner Leafs can succeed
Article content Treliving was relieved to have 'a big piece' settled ahead of July 1. 'These RFA files can go well into the summer. I commend Matty, his representatives and (assistant GM) Brandon Pridham. We all dug in on this for what seemed like months and came to a good conclusion. 'We think he's just scratching the surface of what he's capable of.' Knies, who had 29 goals and 29 assists in his second full season said John Tavares' decision to come back with a hometown discount a few days ago made a major impression. Knies stayed at then team captain Tavares' house when he broke in a couple of years ago. 'That means a lot that he believes in the program and wants to stay,' Knies said. 'I've learned a ton from that guy and look forward to four more years soaking up all that knowledge. 'We have a great group of unbelievable players, we're continually making the playoffs and making pushes. That was a huge part of (wanting to return). The culture and the city, I just love it all.' Knies planned to celebrate his new deal with friends and family during Fourth of July week in his home country, but said he'll go right into training for 2025-26. 'I don't think I have to get any heavier,' said the 227-pounder. 'There is a lot of room in the skating aspect to be better and faster, turning a bit of that weight into muscle and becoming quicker and faster, more prepared, get stronger in the smaller areas (of the ice).'
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Article content After he was named to the NHL's all-rookie team in 2022-23 with the Arizona Coyotes, Maccelli had 17 goals and 40 assists in 82 games in 2023-24. 'He's a dynamic playmaker, and when you look at some of the areas that we need to address, playmaking ability was one of them,' Treliving said. 'There's a bet here on a player that we think can rebound from the season he had and with some of the players that we have. 'Ultimately, it will come down to the fits and where they all go. We just felt, at the price that it cost us, that this was a chance for a young player who has some dynamic skill and ability, it was worth the bet.' To get the 24-year-old Finland native, Treliving sent a third-round pick in 2027 to Utah. If the Leafs make the playoffs next season and Maccelli has at least 51 points, the pick becomes a second-round choice in 2029. Hours after the Maccelli trade, the Leafs re-signed fourth-line winger Steven Lorentz to a three-year extension with an average annual value of $1.35 million US. 'Stevie's come in and fit really well with our group (after coming to camp last year on a PTO),' Treliving said. 'He's happy here. What's the old saying: 'Don't something with happy.' I'm glad it worked out. It's good to have Steve back.'
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