While the US has dominated its first two games at the World Juniors, 5-1 and 7-1 wins over Germany and Switzerland, Matthew Knies is somewhat surprisingly yet to find the scoresheet. It's not for a lack of trying though, as Knies has done everything but find the scoresheet as evidenced by this beautiful cross ice pass that resulted in a high-quality scoring chance.
Leafs fans are beginning to get a bit restless when it comes to Knies, who is currently listed as the organization's top prospect. It's important to remember that Knies is just 19 years old and, though he's in a man's body, is technically still just a teenager. The tournament is still young and there's still plenty of room for Knies to make his presence felt.
Knies, a second round pick of the Leafs in 2021 has used his 6'3», 213-pound frame very effectively through two games, protecting the puck, winning board battles and being impossible to move as a net-front presence. He's had 7 shots on goal so far and is poised to find the scoresheet, it's just a matter of time.
Whether or not Knies fails to register a point in the tournament, which is highly unlikely, it shouldn't be seen as a step backwards in his development. He's played a ton of hockey in the last year including going straight from Leafs' development camp (where he was a standout) to Team USA's camp.
