Toronto Maple Leafs: Can Matthew Knies Win the Calder?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping that Matthew Knies can replace the value Michael Bunting brought to the team for the last two years for $900K.

After Zach Hyman became a star, and Michael Bunting arguably topped him, the Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping for a lot of Knies this season.

The question of Matthew Knies winning the calder trophy is complicated.

One, is he even a surefire NHLer?

He sure looked like one last year in his playoff audition.

If he is in the NHL, where would he slot in the Leafs lineup?

Then, after that is figured out, can he win it given what is shaping up to be one of the strongest rookie classes we have seen in a long time heading into the 2023-24 season?

For the purposes of this article and given his playing ability as evidenced in the 2023 playoffs, I am assuming he will be on the roster for all 82 games next season barring injury.

The Leafs will need contributions from cheap young players and Knies has a great opportunity to vastly outperform his contract.

As well, I will try to take a look at quite a few other notable prospects who are slated to be rookies this upcoming season. Their situations and their ability would obviously play a large factor in whether or not Knies is even in contention for the award.