maple leafs

Knies eyes joining Leafs after taking run at an NCAA title

Jul 18, 2022 • 12:41 pm

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It is never a bad thing to be self-aware enough to realize when a challenge would be too much, too soon. That was what was facing 19-year-old Leafs prospect Matthew Knies last April when he chose to stay in college for his sophomore season instead of turning pro and joining Toronto before the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"I don't think I was ready to make the step(to the NHL) yet, off the ice (or) on the ice. I don't think I was mature enough as a player (and) as a person." Knies said at the opening of development camp on Sunday. "A lot of thought went into (staying in college). I talked to my family, all my friends. I had a lot of people in my ear telling me what to do and I listened to him, I took everyone's advice, but it came down to my decision and I thought I just needed one more year to become a better player."

The big winger scored at a point-per-game as a freshman for the University of Minnesota, played for Team USA at the abbreviated 2022 IIHF World Juniors in Edmonton and at the Beijing Olympics, and it is apparent from the size, strength, and skill being displayed in drills at camp that he potentially could be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams playing on the left side with either Auston Matthews or John Tavares.

#Leafs prospect Matthew Knies should be one of the focal points at this week's development camp. pic.twitter.com/RFy7aNk9dL
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) July 17, 2022

“(Matthew) is a big boy, he’s got all the tools.… Leafs Asst. GM Hayley Wickenheiser said. “He fully knows where he stands in the order of where his career might go. We have no problem being patient with him. We look forward to just seeing his trajectory over the course of the season. The World Juniors, his experience at the Olympics, all of these things add up to giving a player a lot of confidence. He has a long way to go, but he’s also already knocking at the door.…

In the short-term, the Phoenix, Arizona native is looking forward to playing for the US next month when the World Junior reconvenes in Edmonton and playing for an NCAA title alongside Coyotes first-rounder Logan Cooley.

"It definitely was (a motivation to stay for another season). (Cooley is) a great player, a great teammate, so I'm excited to have him on our team." Knies said. "It's big step to make it to the NHL. I'm trying to make it a much smoother transition, I think I'm going to develop a lot next year, and hopefully, I can join (the Leafs) at the end of the season."