Leafs prospect puts together a statement game after reports surfaced that he was no longer ''untouchable''
Matthew Knies' ears must have been burning last night, because on the same day that DFO's Frank Seravalli reported that the Leafs' position on their top prospect may be shifting from "untouchable" to entirely moveable, he went out for the University of Minnesota and had his best game of his season, reminding people exactly why he's so highly-touted.
Heading into last night's game against Michigan, Knies had 23 points in 24 games, slightly under a point per game. However, he came out of game number 25 with 2 goals and 1 assist, including the OT winner, to cap off a 3-point night as a bit of an exclamation point on his status as the Leafs' top prospect.
Over the last year and a half, we've heard so much about Knies' unique blend of skill, size, speed and physicality that it's hard not to buy into the hype and get excited.
While tempering our expectations would be wise, there are too many people in the hockey sphere calling this guy a "can't miss" prospect. I'd much rather see this kid in a Leafs jersey than including him in a package for a rental player at the deadline, because he may just be that bottom-six "X-factor" that the team is looking for with the legit skill that would allow him to ascend in the lineup and play higher up when called upon.
POLL |
JANVIER 21 | 449 ANSWERS Leafs prospect puts together a statement game after reports surfaced that he was no longer ''untouchable'' Is Matthew Knies better for the Leafs as a player or as a trade chip? |
Player | 385 | 85.7 % |
Trade chip | 64 | 14.3 % |
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