Matthew Knies finished the playoffs 2nd on the Leafs in this intriguing advanced analytic
There was a lot of talk leading up to the final stretch of games in the Leafs' regular season that maybe we should all temper our expectations for Leafs rookie Matthew Knies. After all, Knies was coming fresh out of college and the jump from the NCAA to the NHL isn't exactly an easy one to make. However, much to everyone's surprise, not only was Knies able to tread water for the Leafs at the NHL level right away - he could swim as well.
Knies was among the best storylines for the Leafs over the final 3 games of the season, helping the Leafs finish the season with 3 straight wins in the games he suited up in, as well as helping the Buds down the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. Knies wasn't just a passenger either. He created a ton of chances for the Leafs in his minutes.
The eye test was good across the board for Knies. He came as advertised - a decent skater who used his size and strength to create some space for himself along the wall and he wasn't afraid to drive the net. But sometimes, where a player passes the eye-test, they may not do as well in the analytics department. This isn't the case with Knies, however, as he produced in a number of areas for the stats community as well.
So, where did Knies sit on the team in terms of helping to generate chances during his minutes? He was actually right behind Auston Matthews for the team lead.
We heard all year long leading up to his signing that Knies is a bit of a "unicorn", as in you just don't find those guys. His blend of size, skill and hockey IQ is just not something that can be taught. He's got a big frame, he's nasty and physical, he has soft hands and he is also a very smart young player.
All signs point towards the Leafs having a good one in Knies. A parting gift from now ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.
| POLL | ||
8 JUIN | 634 ANSWERS Matthew Knies finished the playoffs 2nd on the Leafs in this intriguing advanced analytic Will Matthew Knies be a full-time top-6 winger for the Leafs next season? | ||
| Absolutely | 490 | 77.3 % |
| No, he'll be in the bottom 6 to start | 104 | 16.4 % |
| He'll start the year in the AHL | 19 | 3 % |
| They'll trade him in a blockbuster deal | 21 | 3.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
