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When the 2022-23 postseason started, few would have predicted the influence that Matthew Knies, a rookie straight out of school, would have on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup. When he signed from the University of Minnesota after his team lost within the 2023 NCAA Division I Frozen Four Final to Quinnipiac University 3-2 in additional time, initially he was a wholesome scratch. However, he grabbed his chance when Michael Bunting was suspended. He didn’t look again.
In his brief time with the workforce, followers discovered that Knies was a promising younger expertise who had an opportunity to make an influence within the NHL. In that, he has exceeded expectations many had for the second-round (57th general) draft selection. Some questioned how seamlessly the 20-year-old ahead may transition into the workforce’s lineup. The reply was that it appeared fairly straightforward.
In the brief time he was within the lineup, he made a distinction. If he had doubters – most likely extra like surprise(ers) – he proved them incorrect. In reality, he exceeded expectations together with his excellent play.
Knies’ Rapid Rise and Stellar Performance
Knies wasted no time in making a reputation for himself within the playoffs. Despite his restricted expertise, he demonstrated ability, fast pondering, and a penchant to be in the precise place on the proper time. His first profession purpose in Game 1 of the second spherical was a highlight-reel second, showcasing his expertise and potential.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Matthews Knies Concussion Is a Career Crossroads
The play showcased Knies’ scoring capability. He acquired a cross within the slot, made a exceptional spin-o-rama transfer to evade the goalie, after which pushed a backhander into the online. That purpose highlighted his ability and confirmed his fast pondering in the intervening time. It was particular.
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However, Knies’ contributions prolonged past scoring. He ranked among the many workforce’s prime forwards in high-danger scoring probabilities and anticipated objectives. In his first seven video games, he scored a purpose and added three assists (for 4 factors). More than that, he demonstrated steady enchancment and rising confidence with every recreation. The younger ahead confirmed he may make an influence in high-pressure conditions.
Knies’ Crucial Contributions and Promotion to the Top Line
Knies didn’t simply make his presence felt with objectives; he was additionally instrumental in organising key performs. In Game 6 towards the Tampa Bay Lightning, he supplied a vital help on the game-winning purpose. On that play, his calm play allowed him to contribute and exemplified his capability to thrive underneath strain.
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Impressed by Knies’ efficiency, Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe promoted the rookie to the highest line alongside Auston Matthews. In doing so, Keefe noted that Knies had improved the workforce’s depth together with his influence in essential moments. Specifically, he was on the ice throughout all three additional time game-winning objectives.
Knies Injury Setback Shut Down His Postseason
Unfortunately, Knies’ playoff success was interrupted by a concussion sustained in Game 2 towards the Florida Panthers. The damage pressured him to overlook the rest of the postseason.
Although the restoration time for concussions varies, Knies was skating simply previous to the tip of the road for his workforce. Although I’ve heard nothing since that information, it doesn’t appear that the damage will considerably influence his improvement and coaching. Clearly, it was a setback for the younger participant who was constructing momentum and confidence; nevertheless, as followers, let’s hope it wasn’t greater than a bump within the path of Knies’ improvement.
Knies Could Be a Potential Calder Trophy Candidate
Knies’ stable influence introduced a component of shock to the workforce. His contributions elevated the workforce’s efficiency. With his mixture of dimension, power, and pace, he possesses the instruments wanted to compete for the Calder Trophy.
Right now, everybody’s favorite must be the extremely touted, soon-to-be Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect, Connor Bedard. For positive, he’ll be enjoyable to observe. However, Knies ought to most likely not be dominated out of the competitors.
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If coach Keefe (or whoever is perhaps main the Maple Leafs) retains Knies within the prime six, he has the potential to attain huge and set up himself as a prime rookie. Bunting turned his likelihood right into a top-three Calder candidate. The potential of a everlasting function within the workforce’s prime six, much like the influence Bunting made as a rookie, solely bolsters his case.
Knies turned heads together with his spectacular efficiency within the NHL playoffs. Despite preliminary doubts about his readiness for the massive stage, he proved himself to be a helpful asset to the workforce. With his ability set, excessive hockey IQ, and skill to contribute in essential moments, Knies has a brilliant future forward and may very well be a robust contender for the Calder Trophy within the upcoming season.
The Bottom Line
As Knies continues to develop and develop, hockey followers ought to hold an in depth eye on his promising profession. His emergence within the playoffs was an thrilling improvement for the Maple Leafs and their followers. His impactful play added a brand new dimension to the workforce.
Maple Leafs’ followers need to hope the concussion solely briefly halted his progress and improvement. In brief, Knies’ ability, potential, and skill to make issues occur on the ice recommend that he may nonetheless have a brilliant future within the NHL.
Given all the present turmoil across the workforce, the younger rookie will supply the possibility for Maple Leafs’ followers to sit up for one thing constructive; and, maybe, one thing very particular. If something, his potential influence supplies a little bit of sunshine throughout an general cloudy week.
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