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While some observers have expressed concern that the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect pool may be drying up after having only three draft picks in the 2021 NHL Draft last month, early returns are promising on second round pick Matthew Knies.

The 18-year-old winger had seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in six games and according to US coach Nate Leaman was one of the surprises of a tournament that has some influence on who will make up the roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships in Alberta this December.

Matthew Knies is having himself a pretty damn good World Juniors Summer Showcase.
Really excited to watch him progress.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/0P7ivgYOBb

— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) August 1, 2021

Leaman indicated via Chris Peters that Knies showed the ability to score from distance, to use his 6’3”, 210 lb. frame to play a power game down low and showed good touch with the puck.

Roni Hirvonen scores his second power play goal of the game to give Finland a 2-1 lead. Kasper Puutio with the assist. #WJSS #Leafs #FlaPanthers pic.twitter.com/wjzXICnyhq

— Finnish Jr Hockey (@FINjrhockey) July 27, 2021

Leafs 2020 second rounder Roni Hirvonen and third rounder Topi Niemela, who played for Finland in last year’s WJC, also shined in the tournament. Hirvonen led the tournament with eight goals, while Niemela (who was named the WJC’s best defenseman last January) led all blueliners with six points (2 goals, 4 assists).

The Aatu Raty (NYI) Revenge Tour continues with another goal at the WJSS. Zone entry and assist by Topi Niemela (TOR). pic.twitter.com/gnO73tyC96

— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) July 31, 2021

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The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Sunday the signing of defenseman Brennan Menell to a one-year, two-way contract for $750,000. The 24-year-old blueliner’s right were acquired from the Minnesota Wild for a conditional 2022 seventh round pick on July 28 after scoring 38 points (5 goals, 33 assists) in 47 games with Dynamo Minsk of the KHL last season.

Menell is right-handed and after the departure of Zach Bogosian could challenge for a bottom pairing spot with Timothy Liljegren and Travis Dermott at training camp.


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Lot’s of ❤️ for the 💙🤍

Convo on Podcast.#theleafsconvo https://t.co/Xdn3CDLVCI

— Norman James (@IamNormanJames) April 26, 2021

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