Matthew Knies

Knies' 2023-24 rookie season was a mixed bag, as he displayed some promise while dealing with consistency issues. Those problems are commonplace for first-year players, but Knies still had a productive introduction to the NHL, generating 15 goals, 35 points, 115 shots on net and 169 hits while averaging 13:41 of ice time per contest. He played up and down the lineup but logged most of his minutes in the top six. Knies will likely see more action alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner in 2024-25 following the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi in free agency. The 21-year-old Knies needs more ice time, especially on the power-play, but he will likely progress in the final year of his entry-level contract. He should exceed 40 points in the 2024-25 season and could inch close to the 50-point mark if he can consistently contribute on one of Toronto's top two lines.

The top prospect in the Toronto system, Knies signed with the Leafs following the completion of his sophomore season (21 goals, 42 points in 40 games) at the University of Minnesota. He had one assist in three appearances for Toronto late in the year and played well in seven playoff games (one goal, four points) before a concussion ended his season. The Leafs added Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi in free agency this offseason, but the club is still expected to find a spot for Knies in their top-nine come training camp.