Prospect Info: 2021 2nd Rd Pick (#57 OA) - Matthew Knies (LW) - Tri-City (USHL)

[Menzinger]

He'll be 20 in October, so he is a late birth, missed previous draft by 32 -33 days.

He is full size, not a small kid who'll be thrown around easily.

I guess the one question might be would he rather play in the AHL or the NCAA?

Not saying he'd play in the AHL, but that option would be there if he struggled in the NHL next year.

For us fans, my guess is the majority want him to take that chance, but will his family?

He'd be waiver exempt so I suspect Leafs would use every strategy make him whole.

Bunting-Matthews-marner
Knies-Tavares-Nylander

Yep, we just really want to see that.

That really is the main question. In part why I won't necessarily be completely surprised if they opt to keep him in college for another season. There's something positive about having a consistent environment when focusing on skill/technical development stuff that he still needs to go through. Though obviously the Marlies are great for that. I'm not worried about it one way or the other.

If he's signed it'll be fun to see what he can do with the Leafs for a few games. But I'd ultimately temper my expectations for a recent 2nd round pick in his D+1 season immediately becoming an impact player (ie likely not going to happen without more development)

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

 

[nobody]

As Knies as it would be to have Matthew turn pro, I think the best decision for him and probably the Leafs, in the long run, is to get him at least one more year in the NCAA. Let him develop an identity and style of play and dominate with it/be consistent with it. That way when he turns pro, he knows what he's bringing to the table, instead of being a young kid who potentially came out too early because he was physically mature but his game might have just not been quite there. We also have a good logjam at the F position as is with quite a few deserving Marlies (Robertson, Steeves namely) deserving a shot at the big club at some point.

 

[Tarmore]

Bunting-Matthews-marner
Knies-Tavares-Nylander

Yep, we just really want to see that.

Seconded

Not for a period or two but for several games, after the kid has had a week or so to take in the NHL.

 

[Menzinger]

He's not wrong. Very level headed of him to realize that too. He's a smart kid and knows he's got to put the work in to get where he needs to be.

It's ultimately best for the Leafs he develops into the player he can be as close to his ceiling as possible than rush his development

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

 

[Funk21]

Good he should stay in school but I think he signs after next year and we burn a year off he contract. Hopefully he can step in as we go for another playoff run!

 

[riffle]

You wonder what changed? Did the Leafs realize they liked their playoff roster as it was, and there would be no room for him? Knies wanted to come but Leafs told him there wasn't any room? Something changed because the report from him was he was going to jump just two days ago.

Abruzzese may have influenced it, but more likely the Leafs just don't have room for him. Abruzzese is probably going to not be seeing anything in the playoffs as it is, and Knies would make two kids sitting there.

 

[SprDaVE]

I'm always of the mind set that if you have the opportunity to make the jump, you take it. Injuries and other issues can arise and mess with guaranteed money. School will always be there if hockey doesn't work out. Development can be made through the AHL, with much better equipment, tools and coaches.

But hey, it's not my career and life. Whatever happens happens.

 

[kb]

I'm always of the mind set that if you have the opportunity to make the jump, you take it. Injuries and other issues can arise and mess with guaranteed money. School will always be there if hockey doesn't work out. Development can be made through the AHL, with much better equipment, tools and coaches.

But hey, it's not my career and life. Whatever happens happens.

I agree with this. But it's his decision. It's not like he's getting his degree next season anyway.....if he wants it, he will have to go back to finish it regardless.

 

[Menzinger]

I'm always of the mind set that if you have the opportunity to make the jump, you take it. Injuries and other issues can arise and mess with guaranteed money. School will always be there if hockey doesn't work out. Development can be made through the AHL, with much better equipment, tools and coaches.

But hey, it's not my career and life. Whatever happens happens.

While that's fair, I think there's something to having a consistent environment especially during these earlier formative seasons when the guy is still working on more technical development.

Imo either way he ultimately chooses he will be fine for next season. And likely still ends up with the Marlies at the end of the year even if he goes back to the Gophers for their full season .

 

[IPS]

Not a big deal. If they come over to the big league and put on a poor showing it can really f*** with a young kid's confidence. Getting a camp with the team and seeing things from the top down is likely a better thing for a 20 year old kid.

 

[kb]

While that's fair, I think there's something to having a consistent environment especially during these earlier formative seasons when the guy is still working on more technical development.

Imo either way he ultimately chooses he will be fine for next season. And likely still ends up with the Marlies at the end of the year even if he goes back to the Gophers for their full season .

Like Abruzesse this season, Knies will have to stay on the NHL roster if he signs next season after the AHL roster freeze. Abruzzese is not eligible to play in the AHL for the rest of the season because he signed his ELC after that date..

 

[francis246]

I'm always of the mind set that if you have the opportunity to make the jump, you take it. Injuries and other issues can arise and mess with guaranteed money. School will always be there if hockey doesn't work out. Development can be made through the AHL, with much better equipment, tools and coaches.

But hey, it's not my career and life. Whatever happens happens.

you're seeing more and more players stay the extra year and come out better though and more NHL ready as opposed to having to grind it out in AHL

 

[The Iceman]

Important to remember he is being coached on everything he says.
I wouldn't hold any weight to his well thought out and planned response.

How about if he waivers from what he is quoted to say :it would be nice to play in the NHL"

Any leverage his agent hopes to have is gone.

 

[Maplebeasts]

Important to remember he is being coached on everything he says.
I wouldn't hold any weight to his well thought out and planned response.

How about if he waivers from what he is quoted to say :it would be nice to play in the NHL"

Any leverage his agent hopes to have is gone.

Leverage for what? Performance bonuses?

 

[hockeynorth]

I bet if they win the championship he leaves, if they come up short he stays

 

[hockeynorth]

He also may not want to distract his team before the championship

 

[Legion34]

He also may not want to distract his team before the championship

Last week he said. “I’m ready to make the jump”

Who knows but either way he should try to keep his mouth shut. It doesn’t help his team either way

 

[stickty111]

My guess is he signs. His comments could be as simple as not want to give his teammates any extra news they don't need.

 

[mydnyte]

Last week he said. “I’m ready to make the jump”

Who knows but either way he should try to keep his mouth shut. It doesn’t help his team either way

answers depend on who is asking the questions.

 

[93LEAFS]

I'm always of the mind set that if you have the opportunity to make the jump, you take it. Injuries and other issues can arise and mess with guaranteed money. School will always be there if hockey doesn't work out. Development can be made through the AHL, with much better equipment, tools and coaches.

But hey, it's not my career and life. Whatever happens happens.

Most AHL teams do not have better workout facilities than power 5 Football schools. Hell, I don't think most NHL teams do. The University of Michigan for example has better facilities than NFL teams.

 

[SprDaVE]

Most AHL teams do not have better workout facilities than power 5 Football schools. Hell, I don't think most NHL teams do. The University of Michigan for example has better facilities than NFL teams.

To be honest, I have no idea. But I know that the Leafs/Marlies have world class facilities dedicated to the craft. Many players have commented on it while passing by. No idea about UoM but it's very doubtful to me that they have a better development program, coaches, guidance and facilities. This is also Knies 100% focusing on hockey as opposed to studies and other distractions of school life.

This isn't to say that staying in Junior/NCAA is a bad thing at all. Just that if there's an opportunity to make the jump to pro, my logic would be to take that opportunity.

 

[Contenderorpretender]

This would be a typical response. Who knows what he's going to do but what else could his answer be going into the frozen 4? That he can't wait to sign his contract and play in the playoffs with the Leafs and disrespecthis current teammates? This is an nhl ready answer, this kid is ready.

 

[93LEAFS]

To be honest, I have no idea. But I know that the Leafs/Marlies have world class facilities dedicated to the craft. No idea about UoM but I'd be very doubtful they have a better development program.

Power 5 sports teams have unreal facilities as it's a major part of recruiting for the money sports (Football and Basketball). Minnesota isn't a top-tier Football program, but they are still a school with a large booster association, Power-5 level facilities, and a passionate hockey fanbase (which likely means they have strong hockey facilities due to donations for it by big Boosters).

A lot of player development is also in the off-season. During the season you are just trying to get through the grind (especially with the schedule NHL/AHL level). A lot of Matthews and Tavares's development for example can be attributed to private skill coaches they worked with during the off-season. Matthews worked with Belfry from like 17 on, and Tavares worked with Dawn Braid for skating for example. Whether he stays or comes here, he should easily be able to finance high-level private coaching, and while the Minnesota area isn't quite the GTA in regards to private coaches, it is one of the major training hubs for NHLers in the offseason (Boston and Vancouver being others) and has the private coaching to reflect that.