![]() ![]() Here are three reasons why I believe Maple Leafs fans should keep a close eye on his progression. The young winger wasted no time making a significant impact in his first month with the Marlies. Why Bellows Is a Player Fans Should Be Watchingīellows is quickly becoming an interesting story. From where I sit, he could be a valuable asset to the organization at the ripe old age of 25. The surprise is that given his impressive performance thus far, the Maple Leafs have not signed Bellows to a more permanent contract, either in the NHL or AHL. His desire is to earn a contract with the Maple Leafs organization. He’s starting to show up on people’s radar. Related: Kieffer Bellows Holds the Keys to His Future He’s been on fire since he joined the team, and his dynamic presence and commitment to proving himself as a player to watch have been successful. While he’s played only eight games since being signed to a PTO contract by the Marlies, Bellows has already shown his offensive skills with six goals and six assists. Bellows Moves to the Toronto MarliesĬurrently, Bellows has found a new chance with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. When he didn’t receive a qualifying offer, he attended the Carolina Hurricanes training camp on a pro tryout (PTO), but he was released before the season started. ![]() He scored three goals in 27 games with the Flyers before becoming a restricted free agent. There he spent time with the Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. If Matthews and Marner are healthy and combining for over 200 points and a 100 goals, and Knies ends up playing on their wing, there is no reason he can’t be among the league’s top 5v5 point-getters and earn some PP time.The Islanders didn’t think his development was strong enough, so they put him on waivers during the 2022-23 season, where he was claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers. There is no guarantee he gets Bunting’s old spot, but it would be the most sensible move for the Leafs since Bertuzzi doesn’t exactly need the help, and they are desperate (or should be) to get a sub-million dollar player to contribute. However, Knies is a 6’3 210 lbs monster who has already shown he can play in the NHL playoffs. Obviously it is rare for players to step right into the NHL and play on the first line, score 30 goals and be an instant-star, especially if they aren’t top five picks. The reason there is a chance is that we’ve already seen Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner turn a 25 year old non-prospect into a star, and Knies is certainly way better than Bunting was at the same age. With GM Brad Treliving spending money in a very value-free way that is nearly inexplicable considering how the Leafs operated over the last several years, the Leafs are going to need to hit on a star player making cheap money.Įssentially, they will need to get a new Bunting (who, let’s face it, performed like a star because of where he played and who he played with).Īnd while any sane person would be on Connor Bedard winning the Calder if he plays even half the season, Knies has a decent shot of being one of the league’s top rookies, and is a long-shot Calder pick. Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthew Knies a Calder Darkhorse There is no way the Leafs can replicate that this year.Įnter Matthew Knies, the rookie who has become the Leafs top prospect. Bertuzzi has never had a season like Bunting did 2 years ago when he posted one of the best 5v5 seasons since the year 2000, and scored the same amount of points as Connor McDavid 5v5.Īnd he did it for $900 K making his value insane. The Leafs basically replaced Bunting with Bertuzzi, which is not an upgrade. ![]() The Leafs were right to let him walk, as his $4.5 million cap hit was pretty expensive (though in retrospect, he’d certainly be a better investment than Max Domi, or John Klingberg). The Toronto Maple Leafs lost Bunting when he signed on as a free-agent with the Carolina Hurricanes this summer. The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to miss Michael Bunting next season more than people probably think. ![]()
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