Matthew Knies Shares Honest Thoughts on Maple Leafs' New Forward Group
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs star forward Matthew Knies gave his candid opinion on the new-look lineup heading into 2025-26, showing he trusts his teammates, head coach and GM.
Fans were treated to a heck of a season from Matthew Knies in 2024-25. Coming out of his shell, he managed to showcase exactly why he's the future of the team; scoring goals, throwing hits, and being that intimidating force in every facet of the word.
Knies broke out with 58 points in 78 games (29 goals, 29 assists) and might be able to hit 30+ goals easily this season especially if Auston Matthews can use some of that expert playmaking.
Expected to be even better this season, Knies is going to have a lot of added pressure now that Mitch Marner is gone, and with Auston Matthews still a bit of a question mark, he's gotta get things started off strong.
Why Knies Believes the Leafs' New Additions Can Deliver
But he seems confident in himself, and while speaking to Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun, also relayed that same confidence in his entire team, from top to bottom:
It'll be a bit different without Mitch, but the acquisitions we've made: Maccelli, centre Nicolas Roy, and thumper Dakota Joshua; have been looking good.
I don't know what we'll put together at the start of the season, but we have a lot of great players on our team.
Any way that Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube decide to do it, hopefully we find a formula that works and gives us long-term success.
I don't know what we'll put together at the start of the season, but we have a lot of great players on our team.
Any way that Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube decide to do it, hopefully we find a formula that works and gives us long-term success.
It seems that while Knies is a bit unsure how everyone will line up on October 8th, he has the utmost faith in his coach and GM that they put together the right pieces, and with the team as deep as ever; they very well may have.
How Toronto Plans to Adjust Without Mitch Marner
It becomes about teamwork, more so than ever. Not to say that Marner was a one-man show but he did have 102 points and was by far the Maple Leafs' top offensive player.
No one will be able to do that by themselves, especially the new additions (unless Matias Maccelli took some super serum we didn't know about) but as a collective; they certainly can.
Nic Roy can get 50 points, and Maccelli can get potentially 60+, not to mention Dakota Joshua may be able to hit 15+ goals depending on how Craig Berube sees fit.
Right there you have 100+ points through committee, and if other players like Nick Robertson and Max Domi can stay consistent, same with Bobby McMann; then it's going to be a great year for the Leafs.
The mentality of the team needs to be that Marner is gone, move on and work with what you have and you'll be fine. No reason to dwell on things that won't ever change, so buckle down and find something that works.
Craig Berube has a lot to work with, but also a lot to work on this season. He's got a training camp to figure it all out, and we know he'll tinker with the lineup on any given night.
Let's hope he stumbles into the perfect contingent.
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