Matthew Knies Gives His Honest Opinion of Maple Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube
Photo credit: Sergei Belski Imagn Images
During a podcast appearance this week, Maple Leafs star Matthew Knies has revealed how he feels about Craig Berube after first season under the veteran coach.
After a break-out season that saw 22-year-old Matthew Knies set career-highs in goals and points with 29 and 58 respectively, Knies secured a six-year extension with the Leafs worth $7.75M per season. As he prepares to enter the first season of his new deal, the former second-round pick is honing his craft, spending the off-season training in Minnesota.
Knies' unique combination of size and skill has led to him being dubbed a unicorn by many across the league. Knies himself admitted that he is trying to combine the styles of two very different players in Mikko Rantanen and Tom Wilson on Wednesday's appearance on Daily Faceoff's 'Morning Cuppa Coffee', furthering the discussion of him being a unique blend.
In addition to discussing his style of play on the podcast, Knies was asked about Craig Berube and how he helped him take his game to new heights last season.
Matthew Knies Praises Craig Berube For Trusting Him
In discussing Berube's role in his development, Knies was grateful for the trust the Leafs' bench boss instilled in him with penalty kill duties and defensive responsibilities. Not only was Knies grateful for the opportunity, but he revealed how Berube helped him simplify his game.
"I think he likes those North south players that are big strong and fast. I feel like I fit the mold of the exact player he's looking for. He put a lot of trust in me putting me with Auston and Mitch almost the whole year. He's been huge teaching me that way of the game and straining the north south game and not to make the cute plays and always look to pass to those guys and be selfish to make the right play. I think he's a great coach and he's part of the reason that we're going to go farther and give ourselves a chance to win it."
The Arizona native certainly fits the mold of a Berube and Brad Treliving type of player with his size and skill and in short order has not only endeared himself as a player, but as a fan-favourite among Leafs Nation.
There will likely be some growing pains at the beginning of next season --not just for Knies, but for the entire team as they adjust to life without Mitch Marner, but the former second-round pick appears ready to take it in stride and is poised to take on a much larger role.
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