Leafs in on prized college free agent

Apparently Knies wasn't the only one he was watching though. Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Leafs are heavily interested in Gophers center Ben Meyers. Meyers also happens to be Matthew Knies' line mate.

Watching the Gophers fight their way into the Frozen Four, Meyers was a standout. He is an excellent skater with fantastic vision and some finishing ability to go with it. He led the Gophers in goals (17) and points (41) this season, playing at well over a point a game pace. He's also got a bit of a clutch gene, scoring 5 game winners on the year. Meyers joined Matthew Knies and Nick Abruzzese on Team USA at the Beijing Olympics, tallying 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 games.

There is no shortage of suitors for the Big Ten player of the year. Reports of over 20 teams having interest may make it difficult for the Leafs to stand out. The real issue they will likely run into will be a lack of guaranteed playing time at the NHL level. The Leafs forward group is very strong, and doesn't have a lot of room for developing players, something Nick Robertson is finding out the hard way this season.

If the Leafs are able to sign both Knies and Meyers, they would obviously have instant chemistry together, but neither would be guaranteed a roster spot for next season. Each would have to beat out a surprising amount of promising prospects the Leafs have in the system. Its a good problem to have for the Leafs, but it may discourage a player like Meyers from signing with them when there are other teams that can offer a much easier path to the NHL.

If Meyers signs with the Leafs, it would be a pleasant surprise. He plays with a high level of compete, and does bring a physical element. He would no doubt be a solid piece for the Leafs, even if it took a year in the minors to develop his game, but the odds of him following Knies to Toronto are slim.