Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign F Matthew Knies to ELC (3 years, $925k AAV)

[acrobaticgoalie]

 

[Leafshater67]

The leafs need a net driving power forward up front and they’ve got one. Good to see. I’d have a hard time pulling him out of the lineup after that game, especially to put bunting in.

I’d sit Kerfoot and Holl putting in Lilly and Knies.

 

[TheDoldrums]

Lot of people were skeptical he could make an impact in the playoffs. He's been way better than I ever imagined.

 

[SImpelton]

Good roleplayer with room to grow. He needs to lace 'em up for every game the Leafs play going forward.

 

[mapleleafs34]

The poise he has with the puck is insane

 

[Rob Brown]

Please don't take him out when Bunting is back. Keep Bunting in the pressbox.

 

[robertmac43]

So far looks really good going forward. Definitely some issues with decision making and on the defensive side of the puck though. Overall a great add for the playoff run, really looking forward to seeing this kid develop.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

I was a bit nervous about how he'd do in Tampa, but having RoR as his center is huge. He certainly has things to clean up, but I really like his ability to make plays with his skill and size. Definitely brings an element the team has been missing

 

[DarkKnight]

Lot of people were skeptical he could make an impact in the playoffs. He's been way better than I ever imagined.

I’d say more cautious than sceptical. Expecting a kid from college to walk into a NHL playoffs and be effective, it’s too much pressure. I’ve looked at him as all bonus and been really excited to see how comfortable he is already, he isn’t perfect but man he’s fit for this type of hockey.

 

[weems]

I was a bit nervous about how he'd do in Tampa, but having RoR as his center is huge. He certainly has things to clean up, but I really like his ability to make plays with his skill and size. Definitely brings an element the team has been missing

Having ROR there to insulate him and keep him focused is huge.

Knies having the ability to take the puck to the net with power but also beat you with agility is a rare player.

It gives us a third line that can be a consistent threat to score and as we saw last night, a single goal can change the entire outlook of a series.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Having ROR there to insulate him and keep him focused is huge.

Knies having the ability to take the puck to the net with power but also beat you with agility is a rare player.

It gives us a third line that can be a consistent threat to score and as we saw last night, a single goal can change the entire outlook of a series.

Yeah not just rare to the Leafs, but rare in general. Players with his combination of skill, creativity, size, and motor just don't become available. We are so lucky to have him. RoR did have to bail him out a few times, but I have no issues with that

 

[kevsh]

He's definitely raw, more than a few misreads, mistakes, etc. so he's got some room to grow, but man when he puts it all together watch out.

 

[Americanadian]

Love the player so far. He won't put up the counting stats right away to warrant a big contract out of his ELC and might sign a long term <5M deal that looks like a steal when he's 25.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

 

[ErnieLeafs]

Having him next to a former Selke Trophy winner is a great way to always be teaching him. He definitely needs coaching on the defensive side of his game, but that’ll come.

You can see that there’s a hell of a player that needs some instruction and polishing. Plenty of potential to be a top 6 PF

 

[Gary Nylund]

This kid's the real deal, was great seeing him out there with M&M!

PS Props to Keefe.

 

[Leafsfan74]

The guy is on the ice down a goal with a minute left in the game. Clearly Keefe believes in the kids offensive instincts at a time when you just need to score a goal by however means necessary.

 

[fancy lad]

It’s crazy just how much ice time he is getting and how he does not look out of place. Clearly Keefe trusts him enough to have him out there in such big situations.

good for knies. He’s been fantastic given all the circumstances.

 

[diceman934]

Kid is the real deal. We can use him to replace Bunting as he is going to want a lot.
We can also resign ROR as they have some chemistry.

 

[Leafsfan74]

It’s crazy just how much ice time he is getting and how he does not look out of place. Clearly Keefe trusts him enough to have him out there in such big situations.

good for knies. He’s been fantastic given all the circumstances.

This is a benefit of him just coming off a Finals against better than average men. It may not have been NHL calibre but he cared greatly about that Finals, so he just stepped in with an easier transition for the big games.

 

[hockeynorth]

what a player

 

[WillyC]

The Calder cup would like to have a word with Mr. Knies.

 

[meefer]

Three things I really like a out Knies:
*his ability to handle the puck is much better than I expected.
*his head is up and he’s looking for his responsibility/best option.
*he doesn’t cheat the team with a lazy effort.

 

[IPS]

People seem really surprised about his skillset but there's not much to be surprised about - he's a legit blue chipper and he's shown it for awhile. He had a very NHL ready skillset coming in and he's showing it.

All I know is that ROR needs to be re-signed badly, because he needs to be this kids full time mentor.

 

[Crazy Monkey]

Please don't take him out when Bunting is back. Keep Bunting in the pressbox.

With the way kerfoot is going, I'd keep Knies and insert Bunting. All different players but kerfoot just doesn't have it at the moment, despite stepping up during last year's playoffs