Obviously the big question is where the Leafs peg his upside versus what he might do if he plays at all this year. I think that’s why Dubas makes a point of differentiating between trading him for a rental or a guy with term.
Ideally, at some point, Knies becomes the kind of power forward they’re looking to trade for and for a while anyway, he’s much cheaper. BUT, maybe he doesn’t pan out. Dubas seems to be saying that he’s not willing to risk trading away that possibility for a rental but that he might for the right guy with term.
- Canada Cup
Fair enough, but I was thinking more about this year. If you can add a top 6 without trading Knies, then you can have him join the team and experience playoff hockey in the bottom 6 rather than counting on him to be an impact player in the top six.
If he adapts well or even excels, move him up the lineup or get him on the 2nd pp unit.
If he fails miserably, just take him out of the lineup.
Seems like a good development strategy and give you some insights into his ceiling.