NHL training camps are trucking along, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are back on the ice at last, preparing for their first pre-season game this weekend.
During the summer, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies did more than just relax under the hot Arizona sun. They trained with one another this summer. They also battled it out -- on the tennis court.
Knies shared the details with reporters on Friday about what he did over the summer and his ongoing dominance of Matthews on the tennis court.
Strong words from the young power forward, who is set to take a big step in his career in his sophomore season. He's done nothing but impress so far and is entering the final year of his entry level contract. Details of the ongoing negotiations haven't been revealed, but if Knies does commit long-term, he's likely going to be paid handsomely. As a restricted free agent, there's no rush. Knies also told the media that he is going nowhere and wants to remain in Toronto.
The truth always comes out in the wash, and Matthews was asked about the competitive tennis matches between the two and emphatically denied there was any truth to what Knies is claiming. The video response was absolutely hilarious.
You can see the full clip below:
They may have played a few games of tennis over the summer, but the two are about to play a lot more hockey games together. At the moment, Knies is once again on the top line with Matthews and Mitch Marner. He says he intends to work as hard as he can to remain in that role all season long.
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 1127 ANSWERS Auston Matthews Hilariously Catches Matthew Knies in a Lie at Maple Leafs Training Camp How many games will Matthew Knies last in that top line LW spot? | ||
1-30 | 309 | 27.4 % |
31-60 | 382 | 33.9 % |
61-81 | 249 | 22.1 % |
All 82 games | 187 | 16.6 % |
List of polls |