How the Toronto Maple Leafs Stole the 2021 NHL Entry Draft
By Jeff Borsuk
Matthew Knies
When the Maple Leafs finally had the opportunity to go to the podium for the first time on the second day of the draft, NHL Central Scouting’s 37th ranked North American skater was still on the board. The Leafs announced that they were drafting the 6′ 3″, 210 lbs left-winger, Matthew Knies.
Knies had just finished off his third season with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League (USHL). He began the season with a concussion but still managed to play in 44 games. Over that span, he recorded 17 goals and 25 assists for a total of 42 points. It was the third-best total among his teammates.
Prior to getting drafted, Knies was invited to Team USA’s world junior camp but didn’t make the team. It made scouting him a little more challenging, but the Leafs still knew that he’s who they wanted.
Scott Wheeler ranked Knies 75th overall in his top 100 prospects of the year. He described the Slovakian-American’s game favorably. Saying “He’s got great touch and underrated goal-scoring instincts around the net. He’s always working to keep himself in the play off of the puck, and he understands how to play off of crowds to facilitate.”
Since the Toronto Maple Leafs made the selection, Knies has looked like a completely different player, a far better one. He made Team USA’s 2022 WJC roster and went to the Olympics to play for America. After committing to the University of Minnesota, Knies began suiting up for the Golden Gophers.
With the University of Minnesota, Knies played 33 contests. He registered 15 goals and 18 assists for a total of 33 points. Being a point-per-game player as a freshman is no small feat. Knies began getting advice from many around him on how to proceed with his hockey future, including from Auston Matthews.
Matthews encouraged Knies to be patient and not rush into turning pro too quickly. As such, Knies returned to the gophers in the Big-10 for another season, where he’s continued to produce at an impressive clip. He has collected 19 points through his first 18 games. That has come on 11 goals and 8 assists.