One year ago, before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, Matthew Knies‘ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs was not cemented. Speculation swirled that the then 21-year-old forward might be moved to bring in assets for a Stanley Cup run. In response, I wrote about how the organization needed to be patient with Knies. He was (and still is) young and inexperienced. “Give the kid time. It will be worth it,” I wrote.
Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with William Nylander #88 after scoring the game winning goal against the Boston Bruins to win the game 2-1 in overtime of Game Five of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Now, with the 2025 Trade Deadline come and gone, there’s no doubt that Knies is and will be a crucial component of the Leafs’ future. Let’s look closely at how that patience, an undervalued virtue, is paying enormous dividends.
Stats Tell the Tale
Knies doesn’t need in-depth advanced analytics to demonstrate the significant stride forward he’s taken. His 24 goals in 60 games are third behind William Nylander and John Tavares. His 41 points are six more than his total last season, and there are still 18 games to play. He’s seen an average of nearly five more minutes of ice time per game, and his shooting percentage has skyrocketed to 23% from 13%. So much for the proverbial “sophomore slump.”
At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, Knies has the frame to be an intimidating presence on the ice, and he’s never shied of way from contact. This season he’s leaned even more into his physical prowess by increasing his hits per game from 2.1 to 2.35. And his increased physical role doesn’t come at the cost of offensive production. Against the San Jose Sharks on March 3, for example, he registered six hits and one goal while logging 23:53 minutes of ice time. That performance epitomizes his unique ability to contribute in multiple ways.
When asked what kind of growth he’s seen from Knies this season, head coach Craig Berube said:
Offensive. And defensive. He’s become a really good penalty killer for us. His growth as a player is all around…offensively he’s come out of his shell..but he’s become a real good 200-foot player.
Berube stressed that Knies’ growth has not been one dimensional. His increased ice time across the board demonstrates his maturation and how he’s earned Berube’s trust. He’s averaging 18:25 minutes per game, up from 13:41 last season. He’s also earned nearly tripled his power-play time (140.6 total minutes to 50.9). Want him to kill penalties as well? No problem. He can also handle nearly five times as much penalty kill time, going from about 40 seconds per game last season to two and a half minutes this season.
You can’t ask much more from a kid who is 22 and completing his second NHL season. Not only is he playing in every situation, but also he’s facing off against the opponent’s top players, as he has largely been deployed on the first line with captain Auston Matthews. Players can shrink under that pressure. Knies is thriving, blossoming into a complete player at the perfect moment for the Maple Leafs.
Knies Will Be a Playoff Contributor
It’s no secret the Maple Leafs need playoff success. A player like Knies has momentum-shifting ability that the team needs to make a deep run. He’s proven he’s ready for the increased responsibility and pressure. He can score, hit, and skate—the embodiment of playoff hockey and an edge that the Maple Leafs have been missing. He’s earned a chance to be a difference maker when the spotlight is brightest and the stage is biggest. Here’s to hoping he seizes the opportunity to taking the next step forward because if he can at 22, then there’s not much stopping him from becoming an unparalleled talent in a few years.
