There has been a ton of talk about Leafs prospect Matthew Knies since Kyle Dubas mentioned the idea of signing his college players once their seasons ended. We've seen Nick Abruzzese leave Harvard a year early to join the Leafs, but Knies' situation is more complicated. As a 19-year-old freshman, Knies has 3 more years of NCAA hockey available to him, and a chance to get himself an education that could serve him after his hockey career ends. Just this week Chris Pronger talked on Twitter about NHL players falling into financial crisis after their careers end. A university degree is a solid fallback option if hockey doesn't set Knies up for life.
We've had conflicting reports from industry insiders on which way Knies is leaning, and one insider who had two conflicting reports of his own. The whole situation has become muddied and confusing, but thankfully, Matthew Knies himself spoke about his plans for what comes after the NCAA Frozen Four on Wednesday from Boston.
While the final decision awaits him, by the sounds of it, Knies will not join the Leafs this season. It's completely understandable that the highly touted 19-year-old wants to take the time to develop as a player and a person before stepping into the volatile market that is Toronto. You can't blame the kid for wanting to be as ready as can be before he steps into that spotlight.
It is interesting that this news comes out the same day that its announced that Josh Ho-Sang and his agent Patrick Bedell have moved to Dan Milstein's Gold Star Hockey. It could be an indication that something is in the works. If Knies decides not to come to Toronto this season, does Josh Ho-Sang finally get the NHL contract he's been working for?
