Top prospect Matthew Knies confirms that there has been no talk with the Leafs yet
Last season had a disappointing end for Matthew Knies and the University of Minnesota Gophers as they fell 5-1 to their state rivals, Minnesota State in the Frozen Four semi-final. This time around, Knies and the number one seeded Gophers will look to punch their ticket to the Frozen Four Final by besting Boston University tonight in the semi-final. In between practice and preparation for tonight's game, Knies sat down with NHL.com's Corey Long to discuss the National Championship and what his future holds.
The 6'2, 210-pound forward had a career season with the Gophers posting 41 points (21-20) in 38 games, won the Big10's player of the year award and is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. His success has led many to believe that whenever the Gophers' season ends (tonight or Saturday) that he will be joining the Leafs for the rest of their regular season and playoffs. However, Knies admitted to Corey Long that he has not made a decision just yet.
"The Maple Leafs have been in good communication with me [thoughout the year]. They've obviously been very professional about it and they've given me my space to let me focus on being here. I haven't really thought so much about [turning pro] and I think once the season really ends I can sit back down with them and weigh the pros and the cons."
When asked about the type of player the Leafs would be getting, should Knies join them, he compared himself to Alex Tuch and Alex Killorn. "A little bigger player, smart with the puck, not too flashy. I'm an old-style hockey player. I try to use my size to my advantage and use my speed -- that's my greatest strength. I can drive the net and make plays. I think I am most dangerous around the net, so I like to make that my office and I can set up my teammates from there. My job is to get in the dirty areas, get in the blue paint, battle on the boards."
His unique combination of size and skill is why he has been called a unicorn and the best power forward prospect not in the NHL over the past couple of seasons. In the hopes that Knies would be joining the Leafs at the end of his season, the Leafs purposely left one contract slot open and just enough cap space for a maximum salary entry-level contract. We will know by Monday if Knies will be joining the Leafs or heading back to the Gophers for yet another season.
Original story here -->NHL.com
| POLL | ||
6 AVRIL | 242 ANSWERS Top prospect Matthew Knies confirms that there has been no talk with the Leafs yet Will Knies be a Leaf by this time next week, or will he go back to the NCAA for his third year? | ||
| He'll sign his ELC with the Leafs | 178 | 73.6 % |
| He'll go back for one more year of NCAA | 64 | 26.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
