After scoring 29 goals and matching that with 29 assists for 58 points in 2024-25, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is trending towards a career year in his third NHL season.
Knies is currently third on the Maple Leafs in scoring with 12 goals and 38 points in 40 games, and he’s on track to surpass his total from last season by a lot. That said, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 2021 second-round pick. He had a tough stretch at the start of December that saw him score one goal and add three points in ten games with a minus-4 rating. Since then, he’s scored five goals and added nine points in eight games.
Head coach Craig Berube told reporters at morning skate on Saturday that Knies is using his speed in the middle of the ice and using his size to complement it.
“I think, for me, it’s his skating and the speed in the middle of the ice more than anything. I really believe that he’s attacking in the middle of the ice, he’s demanding the puck in the middle of the ice, and he’s doing a great job using his size and speed going through people.”
At 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds, Knies is a unit on the ice and when you factor in his sneaky skating ability, it makes him a force nearly impossible to contain when he’s on his game. He’ll be reunited with Auston Matthews and Max Domi on Saturday night after spending a stretch of games with John Tavares, where he’ll be able to take a comfortable role in his money-making spot – the front of the net.
“He’s getting good looks, he’s burying it, he’s putting it on net with his shot,” Berube continued. “And, he’s around the net. He scored a bunch of goals by being around the net.”
The Maple Leafs, who are still yet to win more than three games in a row as they sit one point out of a wildcard spot, have been playing quality hockey ever since Christmas. Berube said that maintaining their high intensity and starting games strong is crucial to building momentum.
“It’s a big game. The other night in Philly we talked about coming off a big win, a win at home here against Florida. And, it’s the intensity level for me. You know, just being detailed and ready to go, no matter what opponent you’re playing.”
The Maple Leafs are set to face the Vancouver Canucks, who are second-last in the league, but Berube stressed that they have to approach this like any other game. This team has been known to play down to their opponents in the past, and considering a playoff spot is far from guaranteed at this point, every game should be treated like a playoff game.
“Tonight is a good example,” Berube said. “We have to have the intensity level high right away, we’ve got to be detailed in our game, and we need a strong team game again. For me, it’s about the team game.”
Puckdrop between the Maple Leafs and Canucks is at 7 pm eastern time.
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