Leafs prospect Matthew Knies putting in extra work at development camp, focused on making the jump in April
Yesterday Leafs top prospect Matthew Knies impressed with his puck protection skills in a 2-on-2 battle drill. Today, after on-ice sessions concluded, Knies remained on the ice with the Leafs' development staff to work on his shot release. As you can see in the video below, Knies is working on the same type of release Matthews has become known for.
Knies said yesterday that he didn't join the Leafs last season because he didn't feel he had developed enough and that he still needed to mature on and off the ice. It takes a very mature person to realize that. However, Knies seemingly confirmed that when his season at the University of Minnesota is over he will be signing with the Leafs when he said, "Hopefully I can join them at the end of the season."
Knies was a second round pick of the Leafs in the 2021 draft and almost immediately had teams regretting passing on him when he burst onto the scene in Minnesota. His rookie season saw him post 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 33 games for the Golden Gophers and he had an outstanding showing at the Frozen Four Tournament and impressed at the Olympics for team USA. Knies will look to represent USA at the upcoming World Juniors in August as well.
