Matthew Knies has high praise for Nick Abruzzese ahead of his Leafs debut
Nick Abruzzese finally makes his NHL and Leafs debut tonight after a week of practices and getting acquainted with the Leafs systems, coaching staff and teammates. Based on practice yesterday it looks as though he will slot into the fourth line with Colin Blackwell and Wayne Simmonds, meaning that Jason Spezza will be a healthy scratch.
Asked what stands out about Abruzzese yesterday, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said that his ability to process the game is what he and the scouting staff noticed most about him through video, calling him a «very smart player».
Former US Olympic teammate and fellow Leafs prospect Matthew Knies echoed Keefe's review of Abruzzese and took it a step further, giving a glowing review of the 22-year-old on Saturday.
"I don't think I've seen a smarter player. He's got a ton of skill. He plays the game maturely. He's always in the right spots & plays bigger than he is. Works his tail off. He's a wonderful player to play with."
- Matthew Knies on what the Leafs have in Nick Abruzzese
- Matthew Knies on what the Leafs have in Nick Abruzzese
Knies, who is currently playing in the NCAA Frozen Four this weekend will likely join Abruzzese and the Leafs once the tournament ends.
It will be interesting to see how the Leafs use Abruzzese in his debut and how much ice time he will get. He was taking reps on the second PP unit in practice yesterday as well as a precaution in case Kerfoot is unavailable for tonight's game.
https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1510267402860347400?s=20&t=Cw6jdjIFktCGZf99_UXrvg
https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1510267402860347400?s=20&t=Cw6jdjIFktCGZf99_UXrvg
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 2 | 227 ANSWERS Matthew Knies has high praise for Nick Abruzzese ahead of his Leafs debut Will Nick Abruzzese register a point in his Leafs debut? | ||
| Yes | 149 | 65.6 % |
| No | 78 | 34.4 % |
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