Matthew Knies believes Leafs teammate is a better overall player than Connor McDavid

Toronto's top prospect in Knies finally made his much anticipated NHL debut this past season once his collegiate season came to a close and he didn't disappoint in the slightest. His game went up a notch in the playoffs and played very well for a 20-year-old rookie with 3 regular season games under his belt before his series-ending injury.

Knies was given the opportunity to skate alongside Matthews during the first round of the playoffs and they were both brimming with confidence. Matthews was complimentary saying that he's already making a difference and does all the little things needed to succeed.

Fast forward to September and with training camp right around the corner, Knies returned the complimentary words right back towards Matthews:

"(He is) Pretty damn good. He's not just the best goal scorer in the NHL but he plays defense too. He's kind of the best overall player [in the NHL] in my eyes."

In a league filled with budding generational talents like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Nathan MacKinnon, to be said to be atop of the totem pole is a massive sign of admiration and adulation - even if it is from a teammate.

To Knies' credit, Matthews has transformed his game over the last few seasons. While he is still one of the best - if not the best - goal-scorers around the league, he is also becoming a very dependable two-way center as well and has put a strong emphasis on playing excellent defensive hockey, while also still being an elite offensive player.