Maple Leafs Forward Matthew Knies Already Influencing the Next Generation of NHLers
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Young Maple Leafs star Matthew Knies already inspiring future NHLers ahead of the NHL Entry Draft, with one top young prospect admitting to idolizing the big winger.
As the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers battle it out for the Stanley Cup, the rest of the NHL is shifting its focus to the offseason - analyzing roster needs and preparing for the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
One of those teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who face an interesting offseason with several key decisions ahead. Among them is the need to re-sign sophomore sensation Matthew Knies, who has expressed interest in remaining in Toronto, clearly thriving under the bright spotlight.
Knies has already made a significant impact not only in Toronto but across the hockey world. His influence is now being felt at the draft level, as 2025 NHL Draft prospect Brady Martin recently named Knies as one of his role models.
As per Brady Martin, via Cam Robinson on X:
"I look up to Sam Bennett, Tom Wilson, and Matthew Knies."
Martin, a 6-foot center for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, mirrors many of Knies' attributes - skillful, physical, and the desire to be an impact player. He recorded an impressive 33 goals and 72 points this past season, establishing himself as a top prospect.
In TSN's "Craig's List: Lots of Talent Down the Middle Ahead of NHL Draft", Craig Button praised Martin's all-around impact on the ice:
"The hallmark of his game is his skating and determination are excellent. His willingness to use those two things to impact the game significantly is tremendous and in so many different areas. I see somebody, from a scoring offensive point of view, from a physical catalyst, to penalty killing, he's got a significant presence in the game."
With Martin projected to be selected among the top 10, the Maple Leafs likely won't have the opportunity to draft him unless they make a bold move to trade up, perhaps in a sign-and-trade type scenario involving Mitch Marner.
Regardless of where he ends up, Martin appears poised to become a force in the NHL - and if he develops into anything like Matthew Knies, whichever team drafts him will be getting a future star.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 3505 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Forward Matthew Knies Already Influencing the Next Generation of NHLers Will Matthew Knies ever surpass 80 points in a season in his NHL career? | ||
| Yes | 2835 | 80.9 % |
| No | 670 | 19.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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