Leafs prospect continues torrid pace in NCAA

There are a lot of names being tossed around by fans as potential targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Kyle Dubas as we get closer to the trade deadline. However, no other acquisition may be as interesting as the potential call up of Leafs prospect Matthew Knies, who was drafted 57th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Knies continued his fantastic year with the University of Minnesota after he registered his 30th point in his game on Saturday after setting up linemate Jimmy Snuggerud in his 28th game this season. Knies has also registered 17 goals through those 28 games, capped off by his latest snipe against the Michigan Spartans.


The highlight reel goals and plays that Knies continues to put up this season makes him an intriguing piece for the Leafs both as a roster piece or as trade bait. Naturally, the Buds will not part with Knies for a rental, but might be willing to consider moving him in a deal to bring back an impact player with term remaining.


Knies, as a roster piece, will cost the Leafs nothing to add. However, it's worth noting that the transition from the NCAA to the NHL is not an easy jump to make, so his immediate impact could be underwhelming given how much everyone has pumped his kid's tires. Knies, as a bargaining chip, is a big enough piece to include in a potential blockbuster deal to bring back a star who can help the team immediately. It will be interesting to see what Kyle Dubas has in store for the team come deadline time.