Per TSN's Darren Dreger, there is confirmation that the meeting between Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and the Leafs' 2021 2nd round pick has concluded with no contract signed. According to Dreger, Knies will not rush to a decision and will weigh his options in the coming days.
Knies, a 19-year-old freshman with the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers, has exceeded all expectations in his first year in college hockey, registering 33 points in 33 games, playing primarily alongside captain Ben Meyers, who signed with the Colorado Avalanche earlier today.
The Phoenix, AZ native has something going for him that a lot of 19-year-olds don't. Undeniable size and strength, and a maturity to his game that you don't often see from a second round pick. Obviously, he is not going to be coming in as a polished product if he does sign with the Leafs. There will still be plenty of things he'll need to work on, but it's clear that the Leafs believe that he has all the tools to be an NHL star.
Whether Knies signs with the Leafs or goes back to the NCAA for his sophomore season, the Leafs have a quality young asset in the heavy-hitting winger. Whether he develops in the NHL, AHL or NCAA, all signs are pointing towards Knies being a part of the big picture for the Leafs. It all just comes down to how soon they can get started. If not this year, I can see Knies in a Leafs jersey at this time next season.
