#7. Matthew Knies
Stats with the Leafs:
Regular Season:
Games Played: 3
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Playoffs:
Games Played: 7
Goals: 1
Assists: 3
Contract Status:
Signed through 2023-24 at $925,000K AAV on a two-way, entry-level deal.
Overall Thoughts:
It did not take Knies long to fit into what the Toronto Maple Leafs do and become a fan favorite. He brings a style of play and element that the Leafs sorely need. A rugged, power forward who has a scoring touch.
Knies needs to bulk up, and he will. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher only dressed in three regular season games after playing in the NCAA Frozen Four. A week and a half later, he was in the same venue, Amalie Arena in Tampa, taking a regular shift in the NHL playoffs.
And, he did not seem out of place. Knies would go on to score a gigantic goal for the Leafs in the second round at home against the Eastern Conference Champion Florida Panthers.
He was then promptly hog-tied by Panthers forward/wrestler Sam Bennett in game two, who then drove Knies’ head straight into the ice in plain sight. All without drawing a penalty. Vince McMahon should be proud. Knies missed the rest of the series.
The 20-year-old, American born college star needs to work on his skating too, but he figures to get lots of looks from Keefe on various lines when the season unfolds. Knies brings a youthful, passionate style to a team consisting of many players who are about to enter their prime.
Give this lad top six minutes and he will produce.