Maple Leafs Calder Favourite Training with World Class Talent
Matthew Knies may not be the first name thought of when the Calder conversation comes up, but he's certainly in the race.
Calder Trophy for #23?
The young winger, who will likely be tied to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner for most of the season, could emerge as a true candidate for the the trophy.
His competition is steep, with Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli both likely entering the league, as well as other names like Logan Stankoven and Devon Levi having their rookie seasons.
Knies may have the upper hand when it comes to training, however, as he has been caught with big names.
Training With the Best
Knies was filmed yesterday training with the same skill coach who made Auston Matthews elite.
Knies' skills coach in Arizona (who has also worked with other Leafs such as Matthews and Lafferty) posted some videos of him yesterday.
He has also grown a very close bond with new Leafs staff member Shane Doan, who was a staple of his childhood growing up in Arizona.
Matthew Knies stopped by Shane Doan's house yesterday and gave him a Maple Leafs sweater with the No. 23 on it.
Knies revealed the great advice Doan gave him:
Knies recalls the best advice he ever received from Doan: "Don't be the most skilled player, be the best player."
With this type of amazing training, could Knies surpass Bedard and Fantilli and win himself the illustrious Calder trophy? Only time will tell.
POLL |
AOUT 5 | 1385 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Calder Favourite Training with World Class Talent Do you think Matthew Knies will finish top-five in Calder voting? |
Yes | 1066 | 77 % |
No | 319 | 23 % |
List of polls |
|
3 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Elliotte Friedman Teases Blockbuster Trades Brewing During 4 Nations Face-Off |
|
8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs Mourn the Loss of Legendary PA Announcer |
|
10 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Former First Round Pick Jesse Puljujarvi Signs With New Team |
|
10 hours ago | By Chris Gerics William Nylander's 4 Nations Face-Off Linemates Officially Announced |
|
12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Auston Matthews' Linemates Unveiled for Team USA at 4 Nations Tournament |
|
13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs' Potential Waiver Target Claimed by Predators, per Elliotte Friedman |
|
13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics First Look at Mitch Marner With Team Canada as His Linemates Revealed |
|
15 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Elliotte Friedman: Toronto Maple Leafs Showing Heavy Interest in Star Hockey Player |
Previously on HockeyPatrol