TORONTO — Matthew Knies said it was a difficult decision not to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs after his freshman NCAA season but the right one.
“I don’t think I was ready to make the step yet, off the ice, on the ice, I don’t think I was mature enough as a player, as a person,” the forward prospect said at the Maple Leafs Development Camp. in July.
“I want to become a two-way player, define my game, be a complete player and play in both ends. Once I mature myself as a player, I think that’s when I can make the step and give the Leafs a boost and try to make them a better team.”
The Maple Leafs selected Knies (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) in the second round (No. 57) of the 2021 NHL Draft. They wanted to sign him when his freshman season with the University of Minnesota ended on April 7. The hope was to have the Phoenix native available for the end of the regular season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But the 19-year-old, who had 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 33 games last season, decided to be patient before attempting to make the jump to the NHL.
“I thought I just needed one more year (with Minnesota) to become a better player,” Knies said. “I know it’s a big step to make it to the NHL and I’m trying to make it a much smoother transition. I think I’m going to develop a lot next year and hopefully I can join them at the end of the season “
Among the people who offered Knies advice was the Maple Leafs center Austin Matthewswho’s also from Arizona.
“I skated with Matthews when I was younger,” Knies said. “I’ve known him. When he made it here, I kept watching him. He was a big influence on my game and someone I looked up to. [He told me] just be patient with it and make sure you are ready for the jump. Work on your skills, develop yourself and make sure you are ready to take the next step because it’s definitely a big one.”
Hayley Wickenheiser, the Maple Leafs assistant general manager of player development, said Toronto is high on Knies’ potential.
“Matthew physically is a big boy, he has all the tools,” Wickenheiser said. “I think he fully knows where he stands in terms of where his career might go, so we have no problem being patient with him. We look forward to just seeing his trajectory over the course of the season. The World Juniors, his experience at the Olympics, all these things add up to giving a player a lot more confidence. He certainly has a long way to go but he is also kind of already knocking at the door.”
Knies, who had two points (one goal, one assist) in four games with the United States at the 2022 Olympics, will play for the US at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in August. He said his primary focus for next season will be to maximize his big frame.
“I have big size, I’m a strong player so I like to use that to my advantage and I think that’s what’s going to help me make that next step and make that transition smoother for sure,” Knies said.
It’s expected Kries will have another opportunity to sign with the Maple Leafs after his sophomore season with Minnesota. Once he gets to the NHL, Wickenheiser said she believes Knies has a chance to be a force.
“We want him to dominate every time he steps on the ice,” Wickenheiser said. “Physically, he is very imposing. He has a great shot. He needs to continue to work on his skating and mobility. Every time he is on the ice to be able to make an impact on the game in key moments and see his leadership at the NCAA level, I think it will set him up well for what might happen here later in the season next year.”
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