Ex-NHL Coach's Recent Comments on Matthew Knies Raising Eyebrows of Leafs Nation

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has already sung the praises of Matthew Knies, and now a former NHL coach and Toronto Maple Leafs player has done the same.

Bruce Boudreau appeared on the Leafs Nation's Leafs Morning Take podcast this week and put his admiration for Knies on full display.

When asked if the Maple Leafs "Core 4" would be the ones to step up and end the first-round of their 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Ottawa Senators, Boudreau said plainly that it's no longer the "Core 4".

Boudreau then went on to make a bold prediction about how Knies would do next season now that he has some experience under his belt.

While the Maple Leafs announced several roster additions from the AHL in advance of Game 5 against the Sens, Berube has already said his lineup will remain the same or similar for Game 6, which means Knies will remain on the top line with Marner and Auston Matthews.

It's a huge responsibility for a 22-year-old, especially considering the expectations for the team. With three goals in four games so far, Knies is showing that he can carry the burden without any issue. His 29 goals this season in just his second year also gives fuel to the idea that 40 is a realistic possibility as he is still very much learning and will only get better with time.