3 Toronto Maple Leafs breakout players to watch for in 2024-25
Matthew Knies
Last year, Matthew Knies put together a solid rookie season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Spending the majority of his ice time at even strength with the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the top line in 2023-24, Knies finished with 15 goals, 20 assists for 35 points in 80 games played. He also spent some time on the Leafs second power play unit, recording two assists with the man advantage and getting valuable playing experience in the role as well.
In addition, Knies appears to be a big-game player during the playoffs. In 14 career playoff games, he has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points. More importantly, he helped set up John Tavares’ overtime winner on a nifty play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023 to help the Leafs finally get past the first round.
On top of that, Knies became the hero himself, scoring the overtime winner against the Boston Bruins in Game 5 of the first round last season to keep the Leafs playoff hopes alive at the time.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Knies has had a solid training camp in which he recorded 1 goal, 2 assists along with 10 shots on goal over four preseason games.
Together with having one year of NHL experience under belt, he seems hungry and all geared up for a breakout year ahead. If the Leafs were smart, they may want to get in the extension with Knies as soon as possible before it is too late.