Although the Toronto Maple Leafs did not have a very busy draft in 2021 with only three picks, but they still had a decent draft.
Due to the Nick Foligno trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs had no first round pick. They had to wait until day two to make their selections. Toronto’s three selections were pick 57 in the second round, pick 153 in the fifth round, and pick 185 in the sixth round.
Many were waiting to see if the Leafs and Edmonton Oilers were going to complete a sign and trade for Zach Hyman’s rights, but it never happened. The oilers were offering a 2021 sixth round pick, but Toronto wanted something higher.
Another thing that did not happen in this draft was Kyle Dubas trading down to gather more picks. The Toronto general manager has been known to do that from past drafts, but decided to stand pat this year.
Toronto Maple Leafs Select Matthew Knies
With the 57th overall pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Matthew Knies from the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. The 18 year old is a 6’3, 205 lbs left winger who can also play center. He has all the makings of a true power forward and is projected to be a left winger at the pro level. (All stats from eliteprospects.com).
With the 57th overall pick in the 2021 @NHL Draft, the @MapleLeafs have selected Storm forward @Matthew_Knies! #StormAhead #WhosNext #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Ob06yf5vgJ
— Tri-City Storm (@TriCityStorm) July 24, 2021
Last season he recorded 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points in 44 games. He is good at establishing body position, and tries to win every puck battle no matter what it takes. He is committed to playing at the University of Minnesota for the 2021-22 season.