Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has high praise for rookie winger Matthew Knies, who has made a strong impression since stepping into the lineup following Michael Bunting‘s suspension. The 20-year-old Knies was drafted by the Leafs in 2021 and signed to an entry-level deal this year after completing his season at the University of Minnesota.
Knies played a few regular-season games at the end of the season before being scratched for Game 1 of the playoffs. His opportunity to shine came when Bunting received a three-game suspension, and he has seized the chance. In the three games he has played so far, Knies has recorded an assist and made a crucial save off the line in Game 4, helping the Leafs take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Coach Keefe has been impressed by the young player’s performance, stating, “Matthew Knies is certainly not coming out of the lineup,” in regards to the Game 5 lineup. This endorsement by the head coach is a testament to Knies’ talent and ability to make an impact in high-pressure playoff games.
Knies is looking to help the Maple Leafs finish off the series and win their first playoff series in almost 2 decades.
