Toronto Maple Leafs rising star poised to become a top NHL power forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the jackpot when the club drafted Matthew Knies 57th overall in 2021. Everyone knew the Arizona native had potential. But unlike other players, Knies didn’t need years of development in the minors. He hit the ground running from the start.
Knies played in all of the Toronto Maple Leafs seven playoff games in 2023, registering a goal and three assists. That was a great showing for a kid straight out of college.
Last season, some doubt lingered about Knies staying with the big club for the entire season. Those doubts have long faded away. Knies played in 80 games, scoring 15 goals and adding 80 points.
Based on the eye test alone, Knies doesn’t look out of place in the NHL. At 21, he seems eerily composed and collected on the ice. However, Knies never found a permanent spot in the lineup under Sheldon Keefe.
Keefe had Knies play all over the lineup. At times, Knies spent time with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Then, Knies played with John Tavares and William Nylander. Keefe even dropped Knies down to the third line a handful of times where he was sucessful with Robertson and Holmberg for a stint.
This season, that should change. While there’s an argument for Max Domi to become a permanent fixture with Matthews the Leafs should use Knies on the top line instead. There’s a simple reason for that: Matthew Knies looks chillingly similar to Zach Hyman.
Hyman has thrived with the Edmonton Oilers, playing a power-forward role alongside Connor McDavid. If given a similar opportunity, Knies could evolve into a Hyman-like player, becoming a high-end goal scorer.
Knies could become the next great Toronto Maple Leafs power forward
Knies is 6’3” and 217 pounds, according to NHL.com. He’s got size, skill, and grit. He’s smart and plays with an edge. Knies has everything a typical power forward needs to thrive in the NHL.
There’s one thing that Craig Berube must ensure this upcoming season: Knies must play the entire season with Matthews and Marner. Being on the same line with an elite playmaker like Marner is a recipe for a 30-goal season.
But there’s more to it than just playing with Marner. Given his size, Knies is a strong net-front presence, while his speed and strength can complement those of Auston Matthews. Moreover, Knies can dig pucks and find open space just like Hyman.
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Additionally, Knies can capitalise on the attention opposing defences place on Matthews. When put together, the stars seem to align in favor of Knies becoming a high-end goal-scorer in the NHL. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a unique chance to apply the lessons learned from the Zach Hyman saga.