Jim Hiller already has a major problem with Matthew Knies

If Jim Hiller wants to make sure his new speedy offensive game is up to snuff, then he needs to take a look at someone who could slow them down: Matthew Knies.

There's been a lot of positive changes in the Maple Leafs over the past few months but one that may be one of the most important was the hiring of Jim Hiller. Despite leading a more defensive side in Los Angeles, that was a product of circumstance and he's able to instil a much better offensive game.

He'll at least bring a brand of more exciting hockey than Craig Berube, who depended on a much slower dum-and-chase style, whereas Hiller is trying to emphasize a much faster, more up tempo game that plays into the team's immense firepower.

Matthew Knies needs to find the turbo button

Though there's a lot to love about that new system, it is going to have its issues especially when it comes to the top-six, and mainly Matthew Knies. There's nothing wrong with Knies as a player, but as someone who doesn't utilize his physicality as much as he should - he also lags behind.

Knies' speed has been a factor this preseason and after two games it looks like he's a step or two behind everyone else. He's getting to pucks second, and the constant stop-and-start style isn't conducive to his style of play.

Someone who is better used in a dump-and-chase system, Knies prefers to crash the net and get in close. In 2024-25 he was in the 90th percentile for max skating speed, but dropped off and fell into the 53rd percentile last year.

Yes he had a knee injury that affected him which caused issues, however he admitted he was healthy and feeling as good as ever. But the eye test during those two preseason games shows that he might not exactly be 100%.

Jim Hiller may need to lower Matthew Knies to a more favourable slot

While it may be a bit egregious to say a $7.75M player should be on the third line, Knies may be better off on a line where he can face weaker matchups while having the puck support he needs. If he's not going to fight for pucks in the corner, he has Easton Cowan, Nick Paul and Colton Sissons able to all quickly gain possession and pass it off to Knies.

Having Cowan alongside him too would offer an alternative offensively and a player who can both playmake and finish, so Knies doesn't need to do everything himself.

It may be best to at least experiment early on in the season to see what Knies can offer a bit lower in the lineup, and that also gives the team a chance to add that heavy puck-possession player up top like Nick Paul; he and Knies can easily swap places.

At this point, it's worth seeing what Knies can do when given a bit less responsibility, and you need remember he's still only 24 years old - he's got a lot of room to grow.

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