The 6-foot-3 forward has six goals and 11 points in 25 games this season, which might be a little lower than most were anticipating by this point in the year. In having said that, Knies has actually played very well.
With Knies returning, he will occupy his usual spot on the team's top line, leaving Noah Gregor falling back to his more suitable fourth line role. Gregor provided a bit if a mixed bag when filling in for the Knies on the top line, providing one assist and two shots on goal in the two games in which he had been elevated.
The 25-year-old Gregor came to training camp this fall on a PTO contract, impressing enough to earn a one-year $775k deal. In 27 games he has scored 4 goals and 6 points while averaging 11:02 in ice time. He has certainly performed well in his depth role and is providing the Leafs with their money's worth in his limited minutes.
POLL | ||
16 DECEMBRE | 662 ANSWERS Leafs share significant update on rookie Matthew Knies Do you like Toronto's current top six? | ||
Yes, good mix of everything | 416 | 62.8 % |
No, the left wing could use an upgrade | 131 | 19.8 % |
No, they need to trade one of the Core 4 | 115 | 17.4 % |
List of polls |