The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the 2021 NHL Entry Draft with just three of their original seven picks.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs would surely have liked to have more, the franchise did what they thought was best with their selections in rounds two, five, and six.
Kyle Dubas had a strategy going into day two of the selection process and likely stuck to it.
Without making any deals to add or subtract picks, the organization owns the rights to three new prospects. We will grade how the Toronto Maple Leafs did with the picks they made in the draft. (stats from eliteprospects.com).
Matthew Knies
The team’s first selection came at 57th overall, where they took a 6’3, 210 pound, left-winger from the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Tri City Storm. Matthew Knies made his way to the USHL after an outstanding season in his final year playing minor hockey for his club team, the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. At age 16 he played 25 games and racked up 24 goals, 13 assists, and 30 penalty minutes.
Knies carried that momentum to the storm. In his rookie year, he recorded 45 points in 44 games. Most of those points came off assists. However, he did pot 14 goals. In his most recent campaign, Knies once again played 44 games and was nearly a point a game player. He registered 17 goals and 25 helpers for a total of 42 points.
The stat totals don’t paint the full picture on this big body winger. He is also known as a locker room leader and was even named one of the team’s assistant captains in his sophomore season.
According to Smaht Scouting, Knies is a physical player who will win the battles in the corners. His best asset, however, is his hands. He has soft mitts and can stickhandle his way both into and out of trouble. These already attained skills will help Knies as he furthers his development.
With the 57th selection, it appears as though Dubas made the safe bet by taking a player who has a real shot at becoming a Maple Leaf. Knies will likely be playing for the University of Minnesota Gophers next season in the NCAA. My biggest fear with him is the same I have with all college players, whether they choose to finish their schooling or sign with the team.
There is always the possibility that Knies chooses to play out his hockey with the Gophers and let the Leafs rights to him expire in that time. It’s worth keeping an eye on that even though there’s no need to panic at this time.
Draft Grade: A-