Popular broadcaster makes surprising comment about Leafs prospect Matthew Knies
The 2021 NHL Entry Draft may have been the biggest enigma in recent draft history, due to COVID-19 costing many draft eligible prospects their seasons and forcing NHL scouts to rely more on video than maybe they would have liked.
When we look back on this draft in specific, there are likely to be a large quantity of players whose stock has risen or fallen from their original draft spot. The Leafs' second round pick looks to be a player who could blow his draft position out of the water.
On Tuesday, the NHL Network's Jon Morosi suggested that Matthew Knies, who was drafted 57th overall by the Leafs in the 2021 draft, would have been a first rounder if the draft occurred today.
"I think if the draft were held today with those same players available, he would be a pick between 10 and 15, he's that good. Power forward.. really impressive possessing the puck, he can make plays," Morosi said of Knies during an appearance on Real Kyper and Bourne on Sportsnet's 590 The Fan.
Knies, 19, is a USHL product who is currently playing for the University of Minnesota. In 18 appearances this season thus far, Knies has managed to find the back of the net 7 times, adding 9 assists for 16 points over that span.
At 6'3, 210 lbs, the Arizona product already possesses NHL size, and his skill level does not appear far behind, and while I don't expect the Leafs to rush Knies to the NHL, it's also not out of the question that he could leave the U. of Minnesota earlier than expected and turn pro.
Knies will be 20 when the 2022-23 NHL season gets underway. He certainly seems like a prospect to watch for Leafs fans.
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