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

[D00bis]

If he signs can he play in the playoffs.

Yes.

 

[Byron Bitz]

If he signs can he play in the playoffs.

They are so preoccupied with whether or not he can they didn’t stop to think if he should.

 

[ITM]

End of thread yet?

May our fishbowl be Kniesless for as long as possible.

If he signs and plays - great. If he decides he needs more time, let the young man take the time he needs. Toronto equals one level of pressure. This Toronto club heading into it's existential playoffs gauntlet is a whole other aquarium.

Heck of a baptism if you ask me. And by the sounds of it, he knows it.

 

[Peasy]

The sens wanted Sanderson after last season but he told them no and wanted to do a sophomore season.

You guys are making it seem likes he's crazy and completely out of the norm if he wants to go back to school.

 

[Dayjobdave]

End of thread yet?

May our fishbowl be Kniesless for as long as possible.

If he signs and plays - great. If he decides he needs more time, let the young man take the time he needs. Toronto equals one level of pressure. This Toronto club heading into it's existential playoffs gauntlet is a whole other aquarium.

Heck of a baptism if you ask me. And by the sounds of it, he knows it.

Despite the fact that this is all completely true, I need something to obsess about on a Thursday afternoon before a long weekend.

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

The sens wanted Sanderson after last season but he told them no and wanted to do a sophomore season.

You guys are making it seem likes he's crazy and completely out of the norm if he wants to go back to school.

I don't think we are. We are just saying he might not have a ton to learn. He's the same age as Sanderson. I think they both belong in pro hockey next year, and apparently Dubas' team does too.

We're all conditioned that more time in lower leagues is better - we love seeing the big stats and the domination. I don't think it's helpful to development to "dominate", I think he would stagnate.

More so for next year than this playoff run.

 

[LeafSteel]

There is no wrong answer here.

If we are pinning our hopes on this kid to win a round in this year’s playoffs, we are already screwed.

Let him get another year of schooling, work with his coaches, and let this kid savour being a university kid like he should while finishing his education.

The decision to go back to university and let him come when ready is a good one for him as a person and a player.

What a great kid to get excited for, when the time is right.

 

[Balthazar]

 

[SprDaVE]

 

[RomanianLeafs]

Well we can wait another year no drama

 

[Peasy]

Happy to see. Better for both parties imo.

 

[MNState0fHockey]

I am a die-hard Gopher Hockey fan and every time I have heard Knies talk about Toronto it has been glowingly. There is no chance he plays at Minnesota beyond this season and I think there is ZERO percent chance he plays anywhere other than Toronto.

Playing for Toronto is akin to playing for the Yankees in baseball IMO. I think most kids dream of that opportunity. I am glad he will eventually be going to a great organization. He is a great kid.

 

[Morbo]

smart move for all concerned. if we're playing the odds, rushing him probably isn't the right choice.

 

[Apex Predator]

I wouldn’t worry about him not signing with Toronto. He would have to stay in school 3 more years and it’s normal to go back after there first year.

 

[francis246]

My only beef is I don’t know why this negotiation became public. Many other prospects went back, Power, Caufield, Greenway, Boldy.

I have no issues with him going back. But all this does is just put in question whether he wants to be apart of the organization and will subject him to underserved scrutiny from dumb fans. This should have not became public.

 

[Cor]

What a loser. Trade him in the off-season

 

[horner]

I would loves for leaftv to some of the gophers games.

 

[The Podium]

My only beef is I don’t know why this negotiation became public. Many other prospects went back, Power, Caufield, Greenway, Boldy.

I have no issues with him going back. But all this does is just put in question whether he wants to be apart of the organization and will subject him to underserved scrutiny from dumb fans. This should have not became public.

Unfortunately that is what happens in Toronto. There’s no way to keep it quiet, every fan and their grandmothers knew he was eligible to sign and play this season. When the public asks the question, the media looks for the answer.

 

[daveleaf]

Kids a flake. Playing NC double A over pro? Yup. Now he could have seen second line mins with Tavares and Nylander and played some meaningful hockey. I'd package that in the summer for someone that actually wants to play hockey.

 

[Mickey Marner]

Good call by the Knies camp. Continue your education and sign when you're a bonafide top-9 forward.

 

[stickty111]

Selfish reasons wanted him here, but respect his decision. Go have a great year and we'll see you next year

 

[Tak7]

I respect his decision, but it really confuses me - you work your whole life to get to the NHL, and when the opportunity comes knocking you say no? Even if he's only up here for 8-9 minutes a night, he's playing NHL hockey, practicing with NHL coaches and players, and working with NHL skills coaches & being put on a development plan.

That experience is exponentially more valuable than 12 more months in school, IMO.

Not a fan of how these discussions became so public. His reps using media people is pretty ridiculous.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

I actually am cool with this decision and its prolly best for both parties IMO.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

See you later Knies.

 

[saffronleaf]

Probably watched the last game and thought f*** it.

But oh well, best wishes to him on his future endeavors.