Leafs prospect nominated for NCAA MVP
A second round pick in the 2021 NHL draft by the Leafs, Matthew Knies has a very unique blend of size, physicality, skill and speed that has helped him dominate the NCAA the past couple of seasons. The Leafs had hoped they would be able to convince him to sign at the end of last season, but Knies felt staying at the University of Minnesota and taking on a more prominent role on the top line for the Gophers would benefit his development more.
His decision to remain at school for another season has appeared to pay off so far as he has 27 points in 26 games and has already matched his goal total from last season with 15 - including a handful of highlight-reel tallies. Essentially deemed an "untouchable" prospect by the Leafs, they are hoping that Knies will join the team at the end of the Gophers' season and help them in some aspect during the playoffs. Knies quickly rose to the top of many "Top Prospect" charts across the NHL and now he finds himself on a list of candidates who have a chance to take home one of the most prestigious NCAA awards - The Hobey Baker Award.
Knies was nominated for the NCAA MVP award alongside his teammates Jackson LaCombe and Brock Faber and a handful of other NCAA division 1 players. Should Knies win the award and sign with the Leafs, that would give the Leafs the last two award winners as they signed 2022 Hobey Baker winner Dryden McKay at the end of last season.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23 | 218 ANSWERS Leafs prospect nominated for NCAA MVP Will Matthew Knies win the Hobey Baker Award this year? | ||
| Yes | 158 | 72.5 % |
| No | 60 | 27.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
