It's the weird Monday between the weekend and Canada Day, the half-way point of the year. It's also the perfect time for Qualifying Offers! The Leafs have several players who will need to receive them by 5:00 p.m. today or they become unrestricted free agents tomorrow. Matthew Knies is a big RFA name that is already off the board as of yesterday, signing his shiny new six-year contract.

Matthew Knies signs his first big contract
Nice!
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

Dennis Hildeby, Mikko Kokkonen, William Villeneuve, Reese Johnson, and Cedric Paré all need the offer to not default to UFA status.

There's also Topi Nimelä and Roni Hirvonen, who we know are going to play in the SHL and Liiga this season, but the Leafs could still make them a QO simply to retain their rights in case they decide they want to come back to play in the NHL some years in the future.

The offers have likely already gone out and the Leafs are simply holding out to make the final consolidated announcement today in case any player decides to cut their own deal with the team immediately. I would not be surprised if a few names on the list don't get an offer, but I doubt there will be any surprises the other way. That goes for other teams as well, and starting tomorrow the Leafs can pick through the lot of depth players they might need but will probably spend most of their time on the Marlies next season.

Other News

Vegas made a late night trade, though it hasn't been officially announced yet the return is apparently Jeremy Lauzon and Colton Sissons.

Another one from yesterday.

Enjoy a quiet day before the big one tomorrow.

From The Branches