Some of you guys turned into complete bumholes.

A Leafs prospect doing well with his club and EVERYONE who thinks he might be good for the Leafs in the future should STFU?!?!?

FFS, what is wrong with these boards lately.

Hey Santo, hope you're right. But I'm sure MJones has scouted Knies and watched every single game to form the 100% "I'm right" and "you're wrong" opinion.

(Which BTW runs counter to every (frank)ing stat board, scout, hockey talking head and just about every one else who has a KNOWLEDGEABLE opinion about the kid.)

Personally I haven't watched him play at all except a few highlights so I wouldn't know either way.

#42 now
- 21peter

Some of you guys turned into complete bumholes.

A Leafs prospect doing well with his club and EVERYONE who thinks he might be good for the Leafs in the future should STFU?!?!?

FFS, what is wrong with these boards lately.

Hey Santo, hope you're right. But I'm sure MJones has scouted Knies and watched every single game to form the 100% "I'm right" and "you're wrong" opinion.

(Which BTW runs counter to every (frank)ing stat board, scout, hockey talking head and just about every one else who has a KNOWLEDGEABLE opinion about the kid.)

Personally I haven't watched him play at all except a few highlights so I wouldn't know either way.
- underhill14

I've watched quite a bit of him lately. I think he's NHL ready now. But also, wtf do I know 🤷

I think despite where he's at he gets about as much opportunity as Abruzzesse did last year. A team that wants to go deep isn't going to force a 20 year old rookie into the lineup, if he steps in the last few regular season games and blows minds perhaps he gets a playoff chance but other than that I think his real opportunity comes training camp next year.

Probably best development wise he make the team out of camp and get the full year to grow and learn the NHL level before seeing playoff hockey anyways.

Some of you guys turned into complete bumholes.

A Leafs prospect doing well with his club and EVERYONE who thinks he might be good for the Leafs in the future should STFU?!?!?

FFS, what is wrong with these boards lately.

Hey Santo, hope you're right. But I'm sure MJones has scouted Knies and watched every single game to form their 100% "I'm right" and "you're wrong" opinion.

(Which BTW runs counter to every (frank)ing stat board, scout, hockey talking head and just about every one else who has a KNOWLEDGEABLE opinion about the kid.)

Personally I haven't watched him play at all except a few highlights so I wouldn't know either way.
- underhill14

I haven’t watched him play either but I have learned to be cautious about leafs prospects because of the coverage we get. The only reason we know what other scouts and hockey people think about him is because of the size of leaf nation.

I have a feeling we wouldn’t know he existed if another team drafted him. Having said that I can’t wait to see him play in the nhl.

I've watched quite a bit of him lately. I think he's NHL ready now. But also, wtf do I know 🤷

I think despite where he's at he gets about as much opportunity as Abruzzesse did last year. A team that wants to go deep isn't going to force a 20 year old rookie into the lineup, if he steps in the last few regular season games and blows minds perhaps he gets a playoff chance but other than that I think his real opportunity comes training camp next year.

Probably best development wise he make the team out of camp and get the full year to grow and learn the NHL level before seeing playoff hockey anyways.
- joel878

I’m excited to see him play this season. I can’t wait to get a preview for next season.

Nah it has to be elite superstar or complete bust.

This isn't allowed to be realistic.
- Santo_44

That's not what the conversation is about, though. The first part of the conversation has to do with the impatience of Leaf fans - if Knies comes in and isn't great this year, how many of those twatwaffles will label him a bust? We all know that it's a larger number than we'd like to admit.

The second thing is that scouts project Knies to be an excellent player, with a ceiling in the top-6 and a floor that is still top-9 - but there is no guarantee he reaches either of those levels in his first audition in the NHL. Guys with immensely more skill and promise than Knies didn't fare well in their introduction to the NHL. A guy like Lafreniere didn't get his first point until game 7 and he didn't get his second point until game 16 - and he was already -7 at that point, playing against lesser competition.

That was from the start of the season, not the last 10 games and into the playoffs when everyone is playing quick and tight to the puck.

Some guys have come in and fared well - but they are really few and far between. Even Kreider isn't the argument people think he is with 5 goals in 18 games and being -4 . He did have 2 Game winning goals which is basically his claim to fame for that year. I couldn't tell you how many game winning goals against he was on the ice for - but the odds are at least 1!

The point is that Knies is physically mature, but he has never played hockey at this pace before. Historically when he has moved to the next level (USHL, Olympics or even the World Juniors) he hasn't dominated, or took some time to adjust to the new level. It's not unrealistic to expect that he will require some adjustment period in the NHL. The odds are about 95% that he'll be unsuccessful this year.

Some of you guys turned into complete bumholes.

A Leafs prospect doing well with his club and EVERYONE who thinks he might be good for the Leafs in the future should STFU?!?!?

FFS, what is wrong with these boards lately.

Hey Santo, hope you're right. But I'm sure MJones has scouted Knies and watched every single game to form the 100% "I'm right" and "you're wrong" opinion.

(Which BTW runs counter to every (frank)ing stat board, scout, hockey talking head and just about every one else who has a KNOWLEDGEABLE opinion about the kid.)

Personally I haven't watched him play at all except a few highlights so I wouldn't know either way.
- underhill14

I'm not sure I follow this messaging - but most scouts think Knies is an NHL-ready prospect. That doesn't necessarily mean that he will be able to ramp up and deliver NHL-calibre performances when the NHL, in March/April, is playing at a peak level of performance. It's a HUGE leap - that's what I think most people are trying to say.

If he can come in and contribute in a top-9 capacity, it's found money and even more dynamics to the lineup - and I doubt you'd find any Leaf fan anywhere who wouldn't love for it to happen.

We're just tempering expectations: It's really, really, really rare that kids make the jump and perform immediately and often the most successful kids are introduced into roles which allow them to succeed.

My main point is that if Knies turns out to be a liability this year, it means nothing in terms of his development and progress.

All I’m saying is that it isn’t guaranteed and I know there will be a boatload of leaf fans who will consider him a bust due to it.

Good chance for him sure but absolutely zero guarantee he’ll be able to step into the most difficult pro league on the planet with absolutely zero pro experience, especially for a cup contender. He won’t make it unless he earns it, no free experimental passes on this team.
- Dozzer

I don't see any Leaf fan guaranteeing anything

Excitement for him being put in the lineup to prove himself is not guaranteeing anything

That's not what the conversation is about, though. The first part of the conversation has to do with the impatience of Leaf fans - if Knies comes in and isn't great this year, how many of those twatwaffles will label him a bust? We all know that it's a larger number than we'd like to admit.

The second thing is that scouts project Knies to be an excellent player, with a ceiling in the top-6 and a floor that is still top-9 - but there is no guarantee he reaches either of those levels in his first audition in the NHL. Guys with immensely more skill and promise than Knies didn't fare well in their introduction to the NHL. A guy like Lafreniere didn't get his first point until game 7 and he didn't get his second point until game 16 - and he was already -7 at that point, playing against lesser competition.

That was from the start of the season, not the last 10 games and into the playoffs when everyone is playing quick and tight to the puck.

Some guys have come in and fared well - but they are really few and far between. Even Kreider isn't the argument people think he is with 5 goals in 18 games and being -4 . He did have 2 Game winning goals which is basically his claim to fame for that year. I couldn't tell you how many game winning goals against he was on the ice for - but the odds are at least 1!

The point is that Knies is physically mature, but he has never played hockey at this pace before. Historically when he has moved to the next level (USHL, Olympics or even the World Juniors) he hasn't dominated, or took some time to adjust to the new level. It's not unrealistic to expect that he will require some adjustment period in the NHL. The odds are about 95% that he'll be unsuccessful this year.
- Monkeypunk

The odds are 95% that he’ll be unsuccessful at what? Dominating? That’s probably true and it’s very unlikely what the Leafs are looking for from him. If he actually plays in the playoffs after 3 regular season games, you’d have to think that they’d try to find a way to get him on the ice for pretty sheltered minutes with the hope that they can add something to the 3rd line on occasion.

The odds of him making a positive contribution, if used properly are likely better than 95% against but I don’t feel comfortable throwing a number out.

Wow, normal conversation without the snickering, quick posts of: "I'm smarter than you" type jabs filled with emojis.

Actually info based opinions without poopting on someone else.

I'm screen-shotting this page before someone (frank)s it up.

Some of you guys turned into complete bumholes.

A Leafs prospect doing well with his club and EVERYONE who thinks he might be good for the Leafs in the future should STFU?!?!?

FFS, what is wrong with these boards lately.

Hey Santo, hope you're right. But I'm sure MJones has scouted Knies and watched every single game to form the 100% "I'm right" and "you're wrong" opinion.

(Which BTW runs counter to every (frank)ing stat board, scout, hockey talking head and just about every one else who has a KNOWLEDGEABLE opinion about the kid.)

Personally I haven't watched him play at all except a few highlights so I wouldn't know either way.
- underhill14

This is basically it. He is being talked about a lot, which is making some angry...He is not the top prospect not in the NHL but he is the top prospect not in the NHL who is about to get a chance to play some meaningful games in the spring. So yeah it makes sense his name is in the spotlight.

Also scouts, charts, fans, whoever aren't labeling him a future star. I think pretty much all of the ones high on him see him as a top 6 power forward. I am also pretty sure most can agree projections can be off and he could be a middle 6...but also that goes the other way too and could mean he is a 1st line guy.

He is hyped up because he has been fantastic, excitement is warranted here. I think some just set themselves for disappointment, which whatever if that is what they want to do they can do it.

Wow, normal conversation without the snickering, quick posts of: "I'm smarter than you" type jabs filled with emojis.

Actually info based opinions without poopting on someone else.

I'm screen-shotting this page before someone (frank)s it up.
- underhill14

It is baffling that a group of people who all want the same thing can’t get along.

The odds are 95% that he’ll be unsuccessful at what? Dominating? That’s probably true and it’s very unlikely what the Leafs are looking for from him. If he actually plays in the playoffs after 3 regular season games, you’d have to think that they’d try to find a way to get him on the ice for pretty sheltered minutes with the hope that they can add something to the 3rd line on occasion.

The odds of him making a positive contribution, if used properly are likely better than 95% against but I don’t feel comfortable throwing a number out.
- Canada Cup

Honestly? Unsuccessful at keeping pace, reading the play, being defensively sound or making a physical contribution without being a liability. Not all the these all the time, obviously - the kid is good - but often enough for some of them that you'd have to question whether you want that type of player in the lineup.

Those are the odds. As I said, not one of us wants him to be unsuccessful, but I don't have him penciled in to the playoffs yet no matter how much I'd like to see it.

When he makes his NHL debut I'll be watching and I'll be hoping he absolutely kills it - but what I really want to see from him is simply more than we saw from a kid like Abruzzese. Throw some hits. Get in on the net. Drive with the puck a bit. Show that it's _there_. That's the bar to me.

I'm not sure I follow this messaging - but most scouts think Knies is an NHL-ready prospect. That doesn't necessarily mean that he will be able to ramp up and deliver NHL-calibre performances when the NHL, in March/April, is playing at a peak level of performance. It's a HUGE leap - that's what I think most people are trying to say.

If he can come in and contribute in a top-9 capacity, it's found money and even more dynamics to the lineup - and I doubt you'd find any Leaf fan anywhere who wouldn't love for it to happen.

We're just tempering expectations: It's really, really, really rare that kids make the jump and perform immediately and often the most successful kids are introduced into roles which allow them to succeed.

My main point is that if Knies turns out to be a liability this year, it means nothing in terms of his development and progress.
- Monkeypunk

I usually agree with you and appreciate the work and research you do in your posts...but 95%? huh? That is a load of crap number and you know it.

No one is asking him to come in and with the (frank)ing Conn Smyte.

Just come in and be productive. Score a couple goals, be hard to play against, keep up defensively.

ffs habs fans were labeling Anderson a hero with his 5 goals and 1 assist in 22 games in their run. It is not about being a PPG ultra super human force out there. Just come in and play a good role and everyones happy.

Plenty of GOOD NCAA prospects have came in the league and had success right away. Most don't have the luxury of playing playoffs like a select few have. Greenway, Caufield, Kreider to name a few.

No one is guaranteeing a thing. Just recognizing the work he has put in and he has put himself into a position where he has a chance to make it this offseason. And its pretty obvious Dubas and Keefe do as well.

Big game for the Jets today. About a month ago the talking heads were picking them as Canada’s best chance at winning it all.

It is baffling that a group of people who all want the same thing can’t get along.
- shack67

You can't mention Knies possibly being in the playoff lineup.

It is illegal here.

You can't mention Knies possibly being in the playoff lineup.

It is illegal here.
- Santo_44

And Santo takes it to 11

You can't mention Knies possibly being in the playoff lineup.

It is illegal here.
- Santo_44

I think he gets a shot.

Anyway, things could be worse

https://twitter.com/mikec...&t=zXygQ9RZlVYvHUlIXsYVmg

This is basically it. He is being talked about a lot, which is making some angry...He is not the top prospect not in the NHL but he is the top prospect not in the NHL who is about to get a chance to play some meaningful games in the spring. So yeah it makes sense his name is in the spotlight.

Also scouts, charts, fans, whoever aren't labeling him a future star. I think pretty much all of the ones high on him see him as a top 6 power forward. I am also pretty sure most can agree projections can be off and he could be a middle 6...but also that goes the other way too and could mean he is a 1st line guy.

He is hyped up because he has been fantastic, excitement is warranted here. I think some just set themselves for disappointment, which whatever if that is what they want to do they can do it.
- Santo_44

He could be absolute poop. Even my new car could be a lemon. poop happens. I'm still excited about my new car. Excited about Knies potential too. Big power forwards are awesome.

Just don't like the "I'm (frank)ing smarter" stance that gets taken around here sometimes.

Not excited about Keefe's coaching tho

And Santo takes it to 11
- Canada Cup

Don't try and sue me CC

I just read a story on the Q league banning fighting starting next season. Will other leagues follow?

So apparently James Reimer is refusing to wear a Pride jersey tonight.

To be clear, I believe he is well within his rights to do so.

And I’m well within my rights to lose all respect for him.

To be honest, I'm a bit more skeptical of Knies at this point. He's an overager having a great season on an absolute juggernaut of a line where he's arguably the 3rd best player (definitely behind Cooley and probably Snuggerud).

He's a big kid though with decent wheels - so his transition to the NHL may be quicker than most... I hope.

Maybe he's our Chris Kreider? 🙏
- mjones242

you misspelled poon jenner 🤦‍♂️

edit:nice alliteration 👍🏿

He could be absolute poop. Even my new car could be a lemon. poop happens. I'm still excited about my new car. Excited about Knies potential too. Big power forwards are awesome.

Just don't like the "I'm (frank)ing smarter" stance that gets taken around here sometimes.

Not excited about Keefe's coaching tho
- underhill14

You aren't allowed to be excited for your new car, prepare yourself for it to be a lemon and be unhappy with it please

Knies is going to score 7 goals and 4 assists in his debut.