Decision Made by Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Could Lead to More Stars Following Suit

Entering his third season with the Leafs, and the first of his new six-year contract extension, 22-year-old Matthew Knies is already influencing some positive change in the hockey sphere.

Ahead of training camp, Knies is currently attending an Olympic orientation camp for Team USA with Auston Matthews in Plymouth, Michigan. Before heading to Plymouth, however, Knies joined Warroad Hockey to test out their cut-resistant neck and wrist base layer.

Since the tragic passing of former NHLer Adam Johnson after he was cut by a skate blade in October of 2023, cut-resistant socks, wrist-guards and neck-guards have become a major discussion topic in professional hockey.

In recent years, we have seen more and more NHLers wearing neck-guards in games, but sometimes, those equipment trials are not permanent. For Knies, he believes this one will be for him.

Founded by the now retired T.J. Oshie, Warroad has introduced a base-layer that isn't nearly as bulky as other neck-guards with Knies being the latest player to test it out.

After testing out his new base-layer, Knies explained his rationale for choosing to try it to begin the season.

Knies also noted that he barely notices the extended neck and that it's comfortable to wear - two key things that should get more NHLers to wear it.

While Knies and other current players have the option of whether to wear neck protection or not, under the new CBA, all new players will be required to wear a neck-guard, much like how mandatory visors were grandfathered in a decade ago.

Should Knies wear the Warroad base-layer for more than a few games, being the rising star that he is, it could lead to more players across the league following suit, and could set an example for the next generation and even some of the league's current stars.