Matthew Knies got to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time since being traded, and there was a moment pre-game that is making the rounds online.
When Matthew Knies was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko, there were plenty of fans out there who felt betrayed by the franchise.
While Marchenko is a phenomenal player, there is no doubt that Knies was beloved by the fanbase, and some thought he could be a future captain of the team.
On Tuesday night, Knies played his first game against the Leafs since the trade. The game was played in Columbus, which means it was not a true homecoming. However, the emotions were still strong.
In a video circulating on social media, Knies appeared to have a droplet of water falling down his face during the National Anthem. Some believe it could have been a tear.
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If this is the case, then it just goes to show how much Knies loved playing for the Leafs, and how this trade is still taking its toll on him weeks later.
Of course, this also could have just been a bead of sweat or perhaps it could have just been some water from spraying his face earlier.
The fanfare around Knies continues
Regardless of the situation, the fact remains clear that Toronto Maple Leafs fans still feel a deep sense of love and admiration for Knies, even if he is no longer on the team.
He was one of those guys that you wanted to go deep into the trenches with. Unfortunately, now he has to play for a team that probably won't go anywhere this season.
While Knies had a phenomenal debut with the Blue Jackets, he has since gone six straight games without a single point.
Meanwhile, Marchenko has a hat trick to his name and continues to prove his worth playing alongside captain Auston Matthews.
Only time will tell who ends up winning this trade.
Do you believe Matthew Knies wishes he was still in Toronto?
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Maple Leafs' completed trade with the Colorado Avalanche includes an underrated asset