Knies credits Matthews for helping him, reveals why he chose to stay at college and what type of player he wants to be for the Leafs
Touted as a steal in the second round of the 2021 draft and quickly becoming the best power forward prospect in hockey, Matthew Knies chose to return to the University of Minnesota for one more season instead of signing his entry-level contract with the Leafs last season. It seems his decision to hold himself back for a season is and has paid off as he is over a point per game for the number one ranked Golden Gophers.
In January, The Athletic's Joshua Kloke had the opportunity to sit down with Knies and discuss why he chose to stay at Minnesota, how he's grown this season and what type of player he wants to be for the Leafs.
"An old-fashioned player," Knies said of what type of winger he wants to be during his conversation with Kloke. He continued, "I know I might not be the best stick handler or skater, but there's aspects that I think I'm better at than other players. That's why I use my body. It's another tool to get me to win those battles." Knies elaborated more saying that he wants to make it difficult for his opponent to know whether he is going to steal the puck or finish his hit.
His skating, stick handling and shot are a few of the reasons Knies chose to return to the Gophers as he wanted to develop them more - something he has certainly done this year, but his main reason for not signing with the Leafs last season was because he felt he was too immature. "I think I was immature as an individual, as a kid. I don't think I was ready to live on my own, commented Knies, "I think it was time to just enjoy being a kid for a little while." He went further saying that it wasn't an easy decision and that speaking with Auston Matthews made it that much more difficult to not sign last season as he has looked up to Matthews since he was "10 or 11", per Knies. The Arizona native praised Matthews while speaking with The Athletic saying that when they spoke last year, Matthews didn't want to sway him one way or another, but made him feel comfortable and part of the family (Leafs).
With the Gophers as the number one ranked team and looking to win a national championship, Knies may not be able to join the Leafs until April 9th which is the day after the Frozen Four Finals. The earliest Knies could join the Leafs would be April 7th, should the Gophers be upset on the opening day of the tournament.
