Sheldon Keefe makes a surprising comment about Matthew Knies following Leafs' season finale
The Leafs ended their season by securing their 50th win last night against the Rangers, finishing with 111 points for the second year in a row. They beat the Rangers 3-2 without John Tavares and with Matthew Knies playing in a top-six role. The team is now 3-0-0 with Knies in the lineup and I'd say that's a pretty successful trial run for the 20-year-old.
Since signing his entry-level deal with the Leafs, Knies has jumped right in and has not looked out of place. He hasn't looked like someone coming from the NCAA. He has quickly figured out how to be successful in the NHL using the same tools he used in the NCAA, including his size, skill and hockey IQ. Knies' play has given Sheldon Keefe the belief and confidence that he could take a roster spot from another forward to begin the playoffs.
"Another good game & some really strong moments in the game, for sure. All three games he's done a really good job of showing he belongs. I'd feel very comfortable (playing him in the playoffs)... he's certainly fit in," said Keefe regarding how Knies has played so far.
At this point, it would not be surprising if we see Knies get into a playoff game early in the series against Tampa, or start the series in the bottom six for Game 1. He brings a different skillset to the Leafs' forward group and some additional size. He protects the puck well, generates scoring chances and has an NHL-caliber shot. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to have a legit scoring threat on the third or fourth line either.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 14 | 326 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe makes a surprising comment about Matthew Knies following Leafs' season finale Will Knies be in the Leafs' Game 1 lineup against Tampa? | ||
| Yes | 261 | 80.1 % |
| No | 65 | 19.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
