Kyle Dubas Meets With Media to Address Jake McCabe, and Matthew Knies

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Aaron Itovitch
February 27, 2023 (8:07 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are truly all-in this season. With their second blockbuster trade, they aren't letting themselves lose in the first round.

Dubas Meets With the Media

After a Jake McCabe trade that looks incredibly favourable to the Leafs, Dubas rightfully got to boast a little bit when he met the media today.

This is the scariest Leafs team assembled in 20 years, and one that's poised for a deep cup run.

"Both players add what we feel we need to help us in the battle that's to come. We spoke with McCabe in summer of 21 when he had an ACL injury. We always liked how physical he is and combined with how he can defend. He has similarities to Jake Muzzin. He's played very well in Chicago playing mostly with Seth Jones so we know he can play against tough opponents. We also like that he has this year and two years to follow. We like Sam Lafferty for the speed and versatility he brings. The tenacity, the turnovers, the ability to create on the forecheck. We're getting him for his speed ability to defend and forecheck,"

"We wanted to become more competitive while maintaining the group we have and didn't want to deplete our prospects. All 3 forwards we acquired can find a way to score in tight in a way we've struggled when we needed it. It was finding guys that can chip in in the bottom of the lineup and we think we found that. We have to give the team the best chance to win. We don't want to deplete ourselves too much down the road but if we can add guys with term like we did here we can address that down the road. We think we owe it to our group."

Both Lafferty and McCabe have term on their deals, and it is likely at least Ryan O'Reilly will be sticking around in Toronto. While they may have spent a lot of picks, they still have Matthew Knies and Fraser Minten.

When asked about Knies, he couldn't help but rave:

"The University of Minnesota have helped Knies grow into his game. We can't rave enough about the job they've done with him. Getting him to use his strengths. He's done good work there but the staff has been excellent."

Clearly he's an exciting guy that could make an impact very soon.

As long as they can keep their contention window open, it is safe to keep spending assets. Only thing better than bringing one cup home to Toronto would be to bring two cups home!

Hopefully, we're planning a parade a few months from now.

Source Maple Leafs Daily:
Dubas meets with the media to discuss recent trade with Hawks and his recent trip to see Matthew Knies

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