The Most Underrated Player on the Maple Leafs Roster Right Now
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Matthew Knies looks ready to become a major asset for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a bigger opportunity awaits in the wake of Mitch Marner's departure.
The Toronto Maple Leafs really did seem to find a gem in Matthew Knies in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, managing to snag the future top-line forward 57th overall.
The uncertainty in scouting during the 2021 draft allowed for Knies to slip through the tracks, rebounding in the second half after a mixed start to his draft year, along with concerns about his skating and attitude, both issues that with Toronto seem hard to imagine being questions of the Matthew Knies that exists today.
At 22, Knies is already trusted as a major part of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and proving himself in what was just his second NHL season to be a highly physical player who can give a much needed showing of intensity in the lineup.
It's the intangibles with Knies that may quietly make him one of the most valuable players for the Leafs heading into next season.
Why Matthew Knies Is the Leafs' Quiet Game-Changer
If there is still a 'Core Four' in Toronto, Matthew Knies is surely a part of it, or setting himself up to be the new fourth member of the Leafs offense.
He won't replace Mitch Marner's point production, but Knies' ability to bring energy and defensive pressure to the Leafs wing is reminiscent of former top-six forwards Zach Hyman and Michael Bunting; players who do well providing a secondary role to Toronto's offense and doing the dirty work for the finishers.
After the departures of Brendan Shanahan and Mitch Marner, GM Brad Treliving expressed a focus on physicality and intensity on the ice, the Leafs turning a page after constant criticisms of the team appearing too soft.
If it wasn't clear that the Leafs were serious, Treliving went out and got two of the top hitters in Dakota Joshua and Michael Pezzetta, while drafting mostly physical players who have a bit of grit to their game.
It was made clear to the NHL that Brad Treliving isn't focusing on skill, he's focusing on players who play hard and can challenge opponents with a physical intensity the team needed more of though that's not to say Knies can't surprise some.
How Knies' Impact Could Grow Even Bigger in 2025-26
With the Leafs move towards being bigger and tougher, Knies is the perfect mold for how the team will want to structure themselves, and it's his game that may be how Toronto models their play on the ice to showcase a harder style than in previous years.
On offense, Knies had 29 goals and 58 points last season in 78 games but also added 182 hits.
With Marner gone, that could lead to more plays being centered around him, and could have him become the main feeder of goals to Auston Matthews, and if not; he can open up a ton of space.
As well, Knies will be relied upon as one of the players who executes the Leafs revamped physical lineup that can use their body to win and not just from driving offense.
Signed to a six-year extension by Toronto, the expectation is that this upcoming season is not just a coming out party for Knies as a key contributor in Toronto, but that he's the face of the type of hockey that is expected of the Leafs to be playing throughout the season and into the playoffs.
Not only is he going to be the face of the new-look Maple Leafs, but could very well be a face of the franchise in due time.
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