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.
With the NHL’s bottom-seeded San Jose Sharks, the forward appeared in 73 games in 2024, tallying 11 goals and dishing out 7 assists for a total of 18 points. 165 hits during the season show that, despite having a minus-30 rating, Kunin was excellent at what he does best—bring toughness and physicality to the game.
On April 20, Kunin’s desire to sign an extension with the third NHL team he had played for was reported by Sharks beat writer Curtis Pashelka.

Luke Kunin, an RFA who may become a UFA the following summer, stated he would be willing to sign a multi-year contract with San Jose, according to Pashelka’s post on X.

A few days prior to the March 8 trade deadline, Kunin stated to San Jose Hockey Now that he intended to remain with the team.On March 3, Kunin said to Josh Frojelin of SJHN, “I want to be here.” “I want to make this right and I want to be where I’m wanted.”
On April 20, Kunin’s desire to sign an extension with the third NHL team he had played for was reported by Sharks beat writer Curtis Pashelka.

Luke Kunin, an RFA who may become a UFA the following summer, stated he would be willing to sign a multi-year contract with San Jose, according to Pashelka’s post on X.

A few days prior to the March 8 trade deadline, Kunin stated to San Jose Hockey Now that he intended to remain with the team.On March 3, Kunin said to Josh Frojelin of SJHN, “I want to be here.” “I want to make this right and I want to be where I’m wanted.”