Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Matthew Knies recently spoke with The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke and explained that while there may be pressure playing in Toronto, he’s not only prepared but excited.With the Toronto Maple Leafs dealing with a lot of changes heading into the 2025-26 season, one thing that is going to remain the same is Matthew Knies being glued to Auston Matthews‘ wing on the first line, especially after a breakout year last season.He’s only going to get better, and with his lofty goals in mind this season, there’s no reason to doubt that not only can he help Toronto push past their playoff roadblocks but also stake his claim as one of Team USA’s brightest stars.
Though the focus is on the Olympics once we get there, we still have a load of hockey to play beforehand.
Matthew Knies’ Toronto Comments Reveal His Mindset Heading Into 2025-26
Knowing the importance of doing well in the wake of losing Mitch Marner, and understanding the market where he plays, Knies isn’t shying away from anything to do with the spotlight.Speaking to The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke, Knies’ comments regarding the City of Toronto and the expectations he has from its fans is night and day from Marner’s past sentiments; and seems to relish in them:Everyone’s always going to tell you the cliché that pressure is a privilege and stuff. But I think it’s honestly so much fun that there’s so many people so invested in our group.
I’d be upset with fans if they weren’t unhappy with my game if I wasn’t playing well.
It’s something that fans want to hear from a player, and understanding the pressure of performing well for a fanbase that is arguably the most rabid and polarizing in all of professional hockey is only going to do great things for him.
The coaches and management also love to hear about a player who doesn’t care about the weight of expectations and is willing to do whatever it takes; which can only lead to more success down the road.
With no added weight on his broad shoulders (not like he couldn’t handle it) it will allow Knies to play the game he wants to play and only get better, something he mentioned he’s striving for including adding even more physicality:
I want to get as physically dominant as possible.
Why Knies’ Growth Earns the Maple Leafs’ Trust Going Into 2025-26
That physical and mental growth from a player who only really has two full seasons under his belt is a great sign for what’s to come. Locked up with a new six-year deal signed this offseason, Knies is set to be at the forefront of the team’s success for the next half decade.
Last season was a breakout year after a breakout; which goes to show just how rapid his ascension has been. In 78 games last year Knies posted 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists) while also adding 182 hits; one of only three players with 25+ goals and 150+ hits.There’s nothing to say that Berube won’t give him even more of an opportunity to be a force offensively, especially with no Marner and if he can become that true net-front presence who can get any rebounds and cause havoc; couple that with an already wicked shot and you’ve got 35-goal potential.
For someone who the team already trusts heavily to play alongside their captain, seeing how much work and dedication Knies is putting in to an already successful and blossoming career has to make Brad Treliving and co. feel good about committing long-term.
For the fans though, Knies wants to leave them with something they can hold onto for the season, especially with so much anxiety and negativity surrounding their supposed behavior:
I want that feeling that I’m playing for the whole city. I don’t really look at it as something that can tear me down. It’s something that is going to make me better.