MUST SEE! Matthew Knies lays out Sens forward with nasty hit

For Matthew Knies, the start to his 2023-24 season has been very up-and-down. After starting his season on the third line with rotating linemates, he has now taken up mantle next to Auston Matthews and William Nylander on the top line.

Last night, during the Leafs' 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators, Knies made his presence felt with a massive hit on Ridly Greig in the third period, which immediately led to a goal by William Nylander. This is what type of time and space Knies can create for his linemates with his physical play:


Knies has just 2 points in his last 5 games, but played 17:06 in the contest, which is his 2nd-highest ATOI of the season. Over that same 5-game span, Knies has added 6 shot blocks, 12 shots on goal and 15 hits.


While some have suggested that his rookie season has gone a little worse than expected points-wise, there's no denying that Knies is really ramping up his physical play right now and getting more comfortable on the Leafs' top line, which should put the rest of the league on notice.