TheGreatOne11
Registered User
Sounds like the kid has a great head on his shoulders, that's very good for us long term.
Matthew Knies takes Matthews’ advice, aims to ‘give Maple Leafs a boost’ in 2023
Matthew Knies feels comfortable trying to take another stab at a national championship with the Gophers, and he plans to use the 2022-23 season to refine his two-way game and turn himself into a more complete threat.www.sportsnet.ca
TORONTO – When Matthew Knies weighed the pros and cons of signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs and jumping to the NHL in the nick of playoff time, everyone had an opinion on what the 19-year-old should do.
The organization’s top-rated prospect picked the brain of fellow U.S. Olympian Nick Abruzzese, 23, another NCAA star. Abruzzese did put pen to paper and opted to turn pro; he could tell his friend what life inside the Maple Leafs dressing room was really like.
Naturally, Knies consulted his parents, Miroslav and Michaela, and his hockey-playing older brother, Phil. He polled friends and coaches.
And as Knies was going through his difficult decision-making process, he also got a call from fellow Arizonan Auston Matthews.
“He was someone I really like to listen to and take advice from, so he's definitely a big character and has been really helpful as well,” Knies says Sunday at Ford Performance Centre, following his first day on-ice at a Leafs development camp.
“When he made it here, I kept watching him. He was a big influence on my game.”
The Hart Trophy champ’s advice to his fellow blue-chip, left-shot centreman?
“Just be patient with it. Make sure you're ready for the jump. I know he made it quick, but there's not many guys like Auston that could make that jump so early,” Knies recalls.
“So, be patient. Work on your skills. Develop yourself. And make sure you're ready to make the next step — because it's definitely a big one.”
Wowed by Knies’ point-per-game freshman season for an excellent University of Minnesota squad, and in need of a cap-friendly, left-side scoring boost, Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas made overtures last spring for Knies to sign as a 19-year-old.
Yes, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward was tempted to cap of a whirlwind season — an Olympic experience, an appearance at the false-start world juniors, and stellar Frozen Four showing — with his NHL debut.
But Dubas was also respectful that Knies needed to feel comfortable making the leap.
“I felt that they really needed me. They really wanted me. I felt that they wanted my best interest (taken) into it. They wanted me to become the best player I can, so they left the decision up to me, but obviously they were really professional about it,” Knies explains.
“I had a lot of people in my ear telling me what to do, and I listened to them. I took everyone's advice. But it came down to my decision. And I thought I just needed one more year to become a better player, because I know it's a big step to make the NHL. So, I'm trying to make it a much smoother transition.”
A lot of maturity there, hopefully his transition to the NHL is smooth, i hope he utilizes that size for us but he's an all around great prospect, i am very excited for him and us.
In a perfect world he plays the last 4 or 5 regular season games to see what the animal that is the NHL is and he's more comfortable come playoffs.
team at the world juniors August 9th to 20th.
