What the Leafs' lines could look like with Matthew Knies tonight against Florida
Leafs Nation is abuzz following the signing of top prospect Matthew Knies to his entry-level contract on Sunday, but for Knies, I'm sure this whole Easter weekend was a whirlwind of emotions.
First, Knies and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers lost in dramatic fashion on Saturday night, blowing a 2-0 lead and dropping a 3-2 OT decision to Quinnipac University, allowing the game-winner with just 10 seconds having elapsed in overtime. Next, he flew home from Tampa to Minnesota only to sign his ELC and hop back on a plane to meet the Leafs in Florida ahead of tonight's game against the Panthers - in which he very well might play.
As far as what the Leafs are getting in Knies, we all know about the physical aspects of his game and his affinity for playing in and around the net. What some may not know is that he's also a stellar transition player and has very solid footspeed for a 6'3, 210-pound winger. He also possesses an NHL-caliber shot. He has all of the tools necessary to be an impact player, but now it's just a matter of putting it all together at the highest level in hockey.
In terms of where he might fit for the Leafs, I can't imagine that Sheldon Keefe is too worried about the final score of these last 3 games. With home ice against Tampa in round 1 having been clinched last week, now it will be more about trying to flood Knies' brain with knowledge of the Leafs' systems and trying him out in a few different areas. This will also be a great opportunity to rest some guys in the final week, so Knies will have no shortage of opportunity to get his feet wet.
I'd imagine that Knies will likely slot in next to Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari on the team's third line, where his minutes can be managed, but also where he'll be under the direct tutelage of one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL in O'Reilly and with the opposite flank being Acciari, who won't be afraid to drop the gloves if anyone decides to get in the face of the Leafs' newest rookie winger.
With no morning skate for the Leafs today, expect a forward group that looks something like this tonight in Florida:
Bunting/Matthews/Marner
Kerfoot/Tavares/Nylander
Knies/O'Reilly/Acciari
Aston-Reese/Kampf/Lafferty
The pressure is high for Knies, no doubt, but it would be wise for Leafs Nation to temper their expectations for the 20-year-old in his first game as a pro. He was playing over 20 minutes a night in the NCAA, but if he can top 12 or 13 minutes tonight, play a simple game, be physical and get himself into the right areas, we should consider that a win for him right out of the gate. Mistakes will be made, but for a developing player, every experience, good or bad, can be beneficial to help him learn - especially at this stage of the season.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 10 | 346 ANSWERS What the Leafs' lines could look like with Matthew Knies tonight against Florida Where would you slot Matthew Knies into the Leafs' lineup tonight in Florida? | ||
| 1 LW | 55 | 15.9 % |
| 2 LW | 69 | 19.9 % |
| 3 LW | 179 | 51.7 % |
| 4 LW | 43 | 12.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
