The Toronto Maple Leafs went into last year’s NHL draft with their highest pick on the 57th overall, in the final half of the second round.
They left with Matthew Knies, a University of Minnesota engaged from the USHL. With his Freshman season going well, and a surprise with the American Olympic team as well, the 2021-22 season could not have been better for the Leafs prospect.
Now we have Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet added and on the discussion, Knies said he could take the step from college to the NHL at the end of the season. When that happens, questions arise.
Are knees ready for the NHL? Is this a backup plan if a trade is not over? What does this mean for the Leafs’ veteran deep squad?
Are knees ready? The short answer: yes and no. He’s not ready to play the role that Kyle Dubas envisioned when he was designed. On design day, you could knee project a mid-six power forward with good hands and the ability to finish. He protects the puck quite effectively, enters the middle of the offensive zone and generates consistently high danger chances. Knies’ high-end puck ability is by no means flashy, but it is efficient and highly translatable.
Knies’ development would not hurt to play another year of college, but the competition at the AHL could be good.
While the offensive side of things may not be quite finished by the NHL yet, the habits he has as a player that does not always add up to the scoreboard seem to be able to help in a fourth-line role. This physicality and the motor allow him to play on the bottom line. If he brings up a secondary scoring in any way, it’s ice cream on the cake.
What does this mean for veterans? Think Wayne Simmonds, Jason Spezza, Kyle Clifford and Pierre Engvall.
Spezza and Engvall get a leg up for their ability to play in the middle. Each brings different dynamics and skills to the table. Engvall has been a member of the penalty kill at times; Spezza was on the second power-play unit. Neither of them, however, are truly integral members of the units. Does coach Sheldon Keefe choose to go with the veteran Spezza or look to keep an extra pace at Engvall? There is also the possibility to move one on the wing.
With Clifford and Simmonds bringing a physical presence to the fourth line, could their role be filled to the brim? It seems like the most logical fit. Knees can crash and bang just like Simmonds and Clifford do, but offer a bit more speed. Even if Knies’ offensive touch is still a bit underdeveloped, he should be able to offer the same or greater value as both Simmonds and Clifford in that role as well. The plan could very well be to bring knees with Spezza and Evgvall in the bottom line and eventually become a secret weapon in playoff time with their sneaky ability.
Is this a backup plan if they do not bring offensive help in the long run? That is debatable. If the leafs brought a physical force forward, knees would possibly be pushed out. If they fill the role on the second-line wing externally, it could mean that Kase or Kerfoot drop the lineup and the fourth-line role is filled by an internal one. While it may not be a proper backup plan, it seems like an option that the team takes into account to some extent.
Is Matthew Knies ready for the NHL? He would certainly fill a role on the fourth line and be able to inject some youthful energy into the bottom six, while not relying too much on playing a skill game. He brings a physical element that the Leafs lack. Knees could very well be a secret weapon towards post-season.
The problem is that despite the fit, opportunity and impressive development less than a year from its draft day, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to fight for a Stanley Cup. How willing are the leafs to rely on a fresh rookie who plays a role, albeit a deep role, in the playoffs?
That’s the three-year entry-level contract issue.
Add Comment