Insider Shares Exciting Development Between Matthew Knies and the Maple Leafs

A lengthy 'to-do' list for Brad Treliving this summer includes figuring out the futures of pending unrestricted free agents John Tavares and Mitch Marner, as well as getting Matthew Knies locked up to a long-term deal.

It seems as though it's a foregone conclusion that Tavares will sign a new deal at some point, while Marner's status is still ultimately unknown despite numerous reports he will be testing free agency.

As for Knies, the Leafs see him as building block for the future, instantly rejecting any ask for him at the trade deadline.

The feeling is mutual, as the 22-year-old made his intentions to remain in Toronto very clear during last Tuesday's end-of-season media availability.

Despite their mutual want to find common ground on a new deal, Leafs Nation have been concerned about potential offer-sheets on July 1st for the former second-round pick.

That, however, should not be a concern anymore as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed on Monday's '32 Thoughts' podcast the Leafs have set a deadline of June 30th to sign the pending restricted free agent.

Amid Friedman's report, the Leafs have wasted little time trying to get ahead of that deadline with The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta confirming that the two sides have already re-engaged in extension talks as of Monday afternoon.

Given the desire for both sides to get a deal done, it will ultimately come down to the length of that extension rather than dollar amount, given the cap space the Maple Leafs have.

The only thing the Leafs cannot do is walk the 22-year-old directly to free agency on a middle-term deal, the same way they had done with Marner.