Conclusion
Matthew Knies is an interesting talent. He has speed with snippets of a potential power forward who can score goals as well as the size to smash someone into the boards.
He has great offensive potential, and his defense skillset is one that, with more practice, will be very beneficial as a two-way forward. If he works on his accuracy, finish, and awareness, he looks to be a force to be reckoned with.
However, his lack of physicality raises some red flags.
As he is not elite in any aspect of his game, I do not know how he will transition into the NHL. He has some questionable decision making, and seems to be quite rushed when it comes to offense as he doesn’t seem to be someone who can run a cycle play. He is likely more of a bottom-six guy who wants to crash the net with a “straight-line” style of play.
But he has upside, which is why the Toronto Maple Leafs picked him. A sure-fire top six talent likely wouldn’t have fallen to where Knies was drafted, but his upside is potentially huge.
Yes, I do think that Matthew Knies should be signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Players with his skillset and size do not come around very often. I feel like his playstyle can be tweaked to be effective in the NHL, and his cons can be worked on. (Stats: eliteprospects.com).
Because of that, I feel like Knies would be a better option than Clifford or Simmonds next season or in the future. Kyle Dubas has to sign Knies before he becomes the next potential Adam Fox: a prospect-turned-star.