Matthew Knies Is the Perfect Modern Power Forward for the Maple Leafs

In an organization often criticized for not producing its own stars, Matthew Knies has quietly emerged as one of the Maple Leafs’ most promising home-grown forwards, and it is more than just his stats. At 6′3″ and 227 lbs, the Phoenix-born winger combines size, skill, and scoring instinct in a way that feels built for today’s NHL, and the Leafs clearly agree. In July 2025, Toronto locked him into a six-year, $46.5 million extension ($7.75 million average annual value). That was after he posted career highs of 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 78 games during the 2024-25 season.

From the USHL to the NCAA to the NHL

Knies’ development path was straightforward, but far from easy. Drafted 57th overall by Toronto in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, his most notable growth came at the University of Minnesota. That’s where Matthew Knies amassed some decent stats. He posted 75 points (36 goals, 39 assists) in 73 NCAA games and was named Big Ten Player of the Year and a Hobey Baker finalist. Those years gave him a platform to refine his game. Knies was using his size to dominate puck battles and improve his physical play. These were the areas analysts felt he needed to shapeshift over time.

When he arrived full-time in Toronto, the expectations were tempered. But the quick transition from “impact rookie” to “top-line contributor” was faster than many expected. His shot volume rose. Also, his net-front presence became a weapon. He began to show he could drive play rather than simply finishing what others started.

Breakout Season and Established Role

The 2024-25 campaign was the breakout. Knies scored 29 goals, 29 assists, logged about 18:30 per game and was integral to Toronto’s top line at various points. Key moments, like his hat trick and five-point night against the Bruins in January 2025, served notice, that this wasn’t a flash in the pan.

What made his rise more convincing was that his points came at even strength, on the power play, and in meaningful moments, game-winners, playoff contributions (seven points in 13 games), and always with the expectation of carrying more weight. He wasn’t just filling space, he was making a significant impact.

Where He Fits and What He Brings

Knies fits as a top-six winger in a contending team. He brings some of the following attributes.

• A physical edge: He uses his size and strength in the corners, in the net-front and in traffic, which complements the speed and skill of linemates like Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

• Finish: His 29-goal run showed he can bury chances and has a quick release from dangerous areas.

• Transition and pace: He isn’t just a net-front guy. He’s shown the ability to drive transition, jump into the rush, and keep plays alive.

For Toronto, having a winger who can skate, finish, engage physically, and take pressure off their core stars is critical. Knies allows the Leafs to deploy their top line with more freedom. For the coaches, they know their left wing is someone who can both drive offence and play the stick-and-puck game demanded in the playoffs.

What Knies Needs to Improve

Even with his breakout, there are refinements ahead. Consistency will be key: the next step isn’t just a one-year scoring surge, but showing up night-in, night-out, through the grind of a long season and into the postseason. His defensive responsibility must evolve too. The effective offensive forwards in Toronto’s system must also shield their own end, kill mistakes, and stay engaged when the depth lines are matched against elite competition.

Additionally, the playoffs will be the proving ground. His contributions in the regular season were strong. However, for the Leafs to take the next step, every top-six player must elevate in April. Knies’ ability to stay engaged in high-leverage shifts, win board battles in the offensive zone, and maintain defensive structure will define his long-term role.

What the Future Holds

With his six-year contract, it’s clear the Maple Leafs view Knies as a cornerstone for the next era of Leafs hockey. He doesn’t just slot in. Rather, he projects as a middle-aged winger who still has room to grow into his 25-30 goal and 70-point potential. If he continues to develop physically, refine his two-way game and maintain pace under fatigue and playoff pressure,

Knies could become the left-wing answer the Leafs have searched for.

In a roster built around elite stars, Knies is the emergent piece who could bridge today’s contender and tomorrow’s core. When he dominates next year, his scoring, his battles, his linemates, Toronto’s expectations may no longer be “when will Knies prove himself,” but “how many goals will Knies score this year?”