Why Matthew Knies might not play for the Leafs this season
As the NCAA's Frozen Four tournament in Boston approaches, Leafs fans wait with baited breath to see if 2021 draftee Matthew Knies will join the Leafs at the end of his run with the U of M Golden Gophers. The Leafs reportedly had a deal on the table for Brandon Hagel and Marc Andre Fleury that fell apart because Kyle Dubas refused to include the 19-year-old NCAA star as part of the package going the other way. Dubas was also furious that details of the trade were leaked because of how Knies might interpret the news of the trade offer. At 6'3, 204lbs, Knies has the type of big body that can help make the transition to the NHL easier, but there's a chance Knies won't sign with the Leafs after his season ends.
As an NCAA freshman, Knies is eligible to play 3 more years with the Golden Gophers. If he signs a contract, if he so much as accepts a baseball cap from the Leafs, that NCAA eligibility goes away. Making the jump to the NHL at 19 would end Knies' chance to play NCAA hockey. Make no mistake, this is a big decision for the Phoenix, AZ native.
All indications point to Knies being as NHL-ready as a winger can be. In his first NCAA season he's put up impressive numbers, 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points in 32 games. His physical game would be a breath of fresh air for the Leafs, who lack a skilled power forward type of player. Watching Knies play this season, Jarome Iginla was the first comparable to jump to mind - a truly skilled power forward. If Knies develops into a player of Iginla's ilk, he won't just be successful in the NHL, he'll be a fan favourite and a superstar player for the Leafs. It's no wonder fans who have seen him play are so excited to have him in the blue and white.
Adding a player like Knies to the lineup could be a huge bonus down the stretch for the Leafs. As fans, we all want to see the Leafs add young, skilled players to the lineup, but we have to remember the human element here, and respect Knies' decision whether he joins the Leafs this season, next year, or a few years down the road.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 4 | 221 ANSWERS Why Matthew Knies might not play for the Leafs this season Should Knies sign with the Leafs even if it means he will be ineligible to return to the NCAA? | ||
| Yes | 140 | 63.3 % |
| No, no point in rushing him | 81 | 36.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
