Maple Leafs Linked to Former 1st-Round Pick, Free Agent Forward

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs Brad Treliving may “circle back” on Luke Kinin, a forward with the San Jose Sharks and a former first-round selection in 2016.

“[Troy GM Brad Treliving] may have to work quickly to bring both [Mario] Ferraro and Sharks forward Luke Kunin back to Toronto, as the Leafs had their sights set on them during the season,” Pagnotta stated on June 11.
Pagnotta claims that Will Grier, general manager of the Sharks, has already spoken with Kunin’s representative about his future before he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1.

According to Pagnotta, “Grier has spoken with his agent, Pete Rutili, on several occasions, and sources tell me the two met last week in Buffalo during the combine.”

The Maple Leafs would be exchanging for Kunin’s negotiation rights because he is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Luke Kunin’s Prospects and Past Interest in the Sharks’ Forward
In the 2015 NHL Draft, Kunin was selected by the Minnesota Wild with the No. 15 pick. During his three seasons with the Wild, Kunin made 131 appearances and scored 52 points.

After that, Kunin, who was still 26 years old, signed and fulfilled two-year contracts with the Sharks and the Nashville Predators. He played 108 games (with 31 points for the latter team) and 120 games (with 41 points) for the former.