3 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects Lighting Up the NCAA

COLLEGE PARK, MD – MARCH 08: The Minnesota Golden Gophers logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on March 8, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)

Matthew Knies – University of Minnesota

As a freshman with the University of Minnesota, Matthew Knies has racked up 7 goals and 14 points in 14 games.

Those are amazing numbers for a 19 year old in the NCAA, and they’re good enough to lead the University of Minnesota in goals and points.

Matthew Knies is projected to be a top line talent for Team USA at the 2022 World Junior Championship after showing his skills at the World Junior Summer Showcase last summer where he was the highest American scorer with 4 goals and 7 points in 5 games.

Knies was ranked 3rd in goals and points during the WJSS behind other Toronto Maple Leafs prospects Roni Hirvonen (2nd) with 8 goals and 10 points in 6 games.

Though some scouts projected a first round selection, Matthew Knies was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2nd round (57 overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft after he scored 17 goals and 42 points in 44 games with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL.