UMass head coach compares Matthew Knies to Auston Matthews

Knies had some extra jam on Friday, as Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was present for the Golden Gophers' game against UMass. Knies threw multiple bone-jarring hits, was all over the ice and even scored the game-tying goal late in the game - and boy, was it a beauty!

Minnesota ended up picking up the OT win on a Ben Meyers goal, but it was Knies' game-tying rip that caught the attention of UMass head coach Greg Carvel, who likened the 19-year-old to Leafs sniper Auston Matthews.

Knies has one heck of a release, not unlike #34. Obviously, nobody scores like Auston Matthews, but Knies has many tools in the tool box. If he possesses a shot like that, can lay massive hits to keep guys looking over their shoulders and also be defensively responsible, the Leafs could have a real beauty on their hands.

You'd have to think that if we're re-drafting the 2021 draft today, Knies is a guy who is likely going in the first round, likely inside of the top 10-15 players. The tools, the size, the shot.. He appears to be a pretty good bet to be an NHL player, and a good one.