Matthew Knies doesn’t appear to have much of a hockey ceiling.
We don’t have a problem saying that.
The Maple Leafs forward didn’t want to go down that path on Thursday morning.
“I don’t think that’s for me to say, what my ceiling is,” Knies told the Toronto Sun after the morning skate at Scotiabank Arena. “I’m just trying to get better every day, every game, every year.”
The Arizona native had plenty to be happy about, one day short of his 23rd birthday.
The speed with which Knies has developed since he was chosen by Toronto in the second round, 57th overall, in the 2021 National Hockey League draft has been pedal-down.
Knies has locked up the left side on the top line with captain Auston Matthews, all the while becoming one of the top young power forwards in the NHL.
Knies recorded his 100th career NHL point in the Leafs’ win against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday and is sitting ninth among 2021 draft picks in points, despite not being taken until later in the second round.
No one chosen after Knies four years ago has been more productive and of the eight ’21 picks who have more points than Knies, only Utah’s Dylan Guenther (114 points in 152 games) has played in fewer NHL games.
Before the Leafs played host to the New York Rangers on Thursday, Knies had skated in 165 NHL games.
The timing of Knies’ birthday couldn’t have worked out better. With the Leafs in the midst of a five-game home stand, his parents, Miro and Michaela, have been in town for several days. His older brother Phil is coming to Toronto for the weekend.
At 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds, Knies’ ability to have his way deep in the offensive zone has been paramount for the Leafs. He’s the prototype of what coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving prefer in their wingers.
STRONG EARLY IMPRESSION
Yes, Knies has grown into his body more since making his NHL debut in April 2023, but his physical nature was clear from his initial shifts.
“When he first came in, I think what I was most impressed with was his ability to handle pucks down low and how strong he was,” Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe said. “You don’t really get that with young guys that often.
“He has continued to get tougher and more responsible defensively. He’s killing penalties, contributing in all facets of the game, which is impressive.”
If Knies feels the pressure of playing well in the Toronto hockey market, it has had little impact on his game. He has continuously spoken of the enjoyment he gets in playing here, signing a six-year extension in June with an average annual value of $7.75 million US, further entrenching his popularity in the fan base.
We’re not going out on a limb when we say that the contract is going to look awfully good for the Leafs in the short future. As good as Knies has been, there’s not much of a limit on what he has to potentially accomplish.
Knies had six points (one goal and five assists) in the Leafs’ first four games and was tied with Bobby McMann for team lead in hits with 14.
Did Knies figure he would have been so influential for the Leafs before blowing out the candles on his 23rd birthday cake?
“Honestly, probably not,” Knies said. “A lot of credit goes to the guys in this room.
“There’s a lot of things that helped me get here. It wasn’t a one-man job, but I think it’s pretty shocking that I’m (turning) 23 now. It’s crazy how fast it has gone.”
X: @koshtorontosun