IT A DONE DEAL: Toronto Maple Leafs forwarder matthew knies terminate a 3-years contract of $925,000 offered to him by the Leafs due to…….
Every new player who joins the Toronto Maple Leafs is quick to rhyme off the attraction of joining the all-stars at the top of the food chain, so it’s more interesting to ask them who on the roster has surprised them upon first impression.
“I didn’t know how big Kniesy was until you sort of walk up and see him,” major off-season signing Chris Tanev says. “He’s a big boy with a lot skill and a really good shot.”
Matthew Knies, who turns 22 in a couple weeks, is still the youngest Leaf expected to play opening night. The six-foot-three power forward is also the heaviest, after packing on 10 pounds between his rookie weigh-in (217) and his sophomore pump (227).
“Lots of ice cream and stuff like that,” Knies deadpans, before cracking a laugh. “No. I’ve just been working hard in the gym, on the ice, trying to get my full potential. I feel better than ever and stronger than ever.
“I’m looking forward to using that extra muscle to defend the puck and create momentum with it.”
Remember when Knies jumped directly from the NCAA championship to the show and burned Year 1 of his entry-level deal?
Well, that means he’s already entering his platform campaign, despite only playing in 83 NHL games.
“I haven’t really thought of it any differently than any other year,” Knies insists. “It’s the same as last year. Just try and make an impact. Be a contributor. Be a reason as to why we go farther in the playoffs. Be someone who helps the team win on a daily basis. That’s where my main focus is, and I don’t think it’s really changed.”
With Tyler Bertuzzi gone, Knies has been stapled on Toronto’s top line every day in training camp alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. (New coach Craig Berube believes in forward duos.) He’s also seeing more reps on the power play (second unit) and the penalty kill — where he was hardly used as a rookie.
“It’s a privilege,” Knies says of his penthouse position on the whiteboard. “I have to earn my keep there. I’m going to work my tail off to stay there and support them. It’s a huge honour to play with those guys.”
Berube likes the forward’s size and physicality, how his forechecking can complement an improved stride and a set of soft hands that should have no issue eclipsing last season’s 35 points.
We like how he handles playoff and market pressure in stride and elevates his game when the stakes are highest.
But is Knies a 50-point player? Seventy? And how much does his production ceiling matter if he can mesh with the Leafs’ best talent, be trusted defensively, and handle the pressure?
“He’s a man already,” Matthews says. “I’m looking forward to seeing the progress he’s made. I think it’s pretty evident watching him skate out here.”
