After the Toronto Maple Leafs rested their core players for their preseason opener, the primary roster will be taking centre stage at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night for the second exhibition match against the Ottawa Senators.
Among those top players slotting back in is Matthew Knies. Speaking at practice Tuesday morning, the 22-year-old winger shared he’s looking forward to getting on the ice and shaking off the dust of the offseason.
“Getting your legs behind you, your lungs back, and the first bumps out of the way,” Knies said, of the importance of these early matches. “Getting as prepared as possible with the systems, special teams, and everything like that for when our first regular season game comes around.”
Toronto’s roster looks a little different in a few ways this year, including with the emergence of top prospect Easton Cowan, who wrapped up his time in juniors last year by leading the London Knights to a Memorial Cup win. Set to slot in alongside Toronto’s top skaters on Tuesday, Knies singled Cowan out as the player who has most impressed him through training camp.
“I’ve seen his skill come out, I’ve seen his speed,” Knies said. “I think he’s gotten a lot stronger and faster. That’s pretty good for someone his age, you always want to see them improve. I think he’s done a good job with that.”
Beyond his growth as a player, Knies shared what he’s seen from Cowan off the ice, now more familiar with his surroundings as a returning member of Leafs training camp.
“He’s gotten a lot more comfortable with the guys,” Knies said. “Definitely talks a little more, and that’s good. He’s a little bit more comfortable off the ice and I’m happy to see that.”
Still, Knies himself is only entering his third full NHL season this year. He’s happy to help out with younger players where he can, but still sees himself as a growing player too.
“I still consider myself a young guy, so not a lot of mentoring now, but every now and then I have a chat with them,” he shared. “I think I still get mentoring myself.”
Tuesday night will also give Maple Leafs fans a first look at a potential new linemate for Knies and Auston Matthews in Matias Maccelli. Ahead of the game, Knies spoke about the Finnish winger and what he can bring to the team.
“Really great, skilled player,” he said. “Can make a lot of plays, he fits in well on our line. I think he’s done a great job and he works his tail off, so I’m excited to play with him tonight and see a new face there.”
With a new look to Toronto’s top line and some young players slotting in, an exciting contest is in store for Tuesday night. Puck drops at 7pm from Scotiabank Arena.