The Toronto Maple Leafs sent rookie Matthew Knies down to the Toronto Marlies mere hours before the trade deadline yesterday in a move that was seen as a precursor to a trade. While the move didn't exactly lead to a game-changing acquisition, it essentially freed up cap space and a roster spot and the Leafs eventually acquired Connor Dewar from the Minnesota Wild to help the team's bottom six and struggling penalty kill.
Sending of Knies to the Marlies, however, was more of a paper transaction to make him eligible for the AHL playoffs in the event of a short postseason for the Maple Leafs. Following the deadline, GM Brad Treliving addressed the media and while much of the discussion was about the trades he made or didn't make, he was also asked for an update on the status of Knies, who was injured in a collision with Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand in the first period of Thursday's 4-1 loss. Thankfully, he had some good news to report on that front.
The update from Treliving is a relief, given that Knies did not return to the game after the hit. It led many to believe he suffered a concussion or worse. In 61 games with the Leafs, Knies has 11 goals and 26 points while playing most of the season with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Even with his points falling below expectation, his actual on ice play has been tremendous, helping his linemates tremendously with his work in transition, along the wall and down low, digging for pucks and trying to create some open ice for two of the best offensive talents in the game.
