Upon finishing his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota, Matthew Knies joined the Leafs for their final 3 regular season games and their playoff run. He had 1 point in his 3 regular season games and had 4 points including his first NHL goal in 7 playoff games before being injured against Florida.
Knies did not look out of place during his limited NHL look and was actually very effective in the playoffs before being injured in a scrum with Florida's Sam Bennett, who proceeded to body slam Knies onto the ice in Game 2, causing a concussion. Knies ended up missing the rest of the series.
On Wednesday following the Leafs' first practice for the Traverse City Rookie Tournament, Knies was asked about his recovery and dropped an absolute bombshell. Knies confirmed that he was cleared to play Game 6 had the series gone back to Florida and that he has had no issues since. Given how well he played in limited minutes with the Leafs' "Core 4" he should be battling for a role in the top-six, something that Knies has his sights set on heading into camp.
"I want to play with the big players, I want to play with the big club and I'm just going to work my best to play there,» said Knies following practice with the rookie tournament squad. Knies should find himself at the very least on the Leafs' third line to begin the season, but it would not be surprising to see him quickly vault into a top-six role.
