Story Summary
Matthew Knies is preparing for his fourth full NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his linemate and captain Auston Matthews believes Knies still has significant untapped potential. Knies finished last season with a career-high 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games despite working through a knee injury sustained in November that forced him to miss three games; he returned on Nov. 26 and did not miss another contest. After a summer of rest and rehab, Knies told reporters he is “back to 100%, no issues with it.”
Knies has been practising at left wing on a line with centre Auston Matthews and right wing Jack Roslovic through the first two days of training camp. Toronto coach Jim Hiller said he wants to “let that line play” in the Maple Leafs’ split-squad pre-season opener at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET). Matthews praised Knies’ strength, speed and finishing ability, saying of his young teammate: “For him, he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his ceiling.”
Knies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract on July 1, 2025 (average annual value $7.75 million) and is entering the second season of that deal. He was the subject of trade rumours before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline and around the 2026 NHL Draft; general manager John Chayka has told Knies he considers him a valuable piece of the team. Knies said he wants to remain with the Maple Leafs.
Key Facts
- Matthew Knies is entering his fourth full NHL season.
- Knies recorded a career-high 66 points last season: 23 goals and 43 assists in 79 games.
- Knies sustained a knee injury in November, missed three games, returned on Nov. 26 and did not miss another game.
- Knies said after the summer he is “back to 100%, no issues with it.”
- Knies has skated at left wing with centre Auston Matthews and right wing Jack Roslovic through the first two days of training camp.
- Coach Jim Hiller said he intends to let that line play in the split-squad pre-season opener at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET).
- Auston Matthews said Knies “hasn’t even scratched the surface of his ceiling.”
- Jack Roslovic praised Knies’ strength, net-front play and ability to retrieve pucks and make plays.
- Knies had 29 goals in 78 games in 2024-25, then 23 goals in 79 games last season.
- Knies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract on July 1, 2025, with a $7.75 million average annual value.
- Knies was linked to trade rumours prior to the 2026 Trade Deadline and again around the 2026 Draft.
- General manager John Chayka told Knies he considers him a valuable piece of the Maple Leafs.
IHM Discussion
Knies arrives at camp after his best statistical season yet. His 66 points in 79 games came despite a knee injury that required ongoing treatment and reduced practice time, while Matthews sees further growth in a player with strength, speed, skill and finishing ability.
Roslovic highlighted Knies’ net-front presence, puck retrieval and ability to make plays, attributes that could complement Matthews and Roslovic. Hiller’s plan to use the trio in the pre-season opener gives Toronto an early opportunity to assess their chemistry.
Knies has avoided setting individual scoring targets, instead focusing on team success. He is entering the second season of his six-year contract and has said he wants to remain in Toronto.
Why It Matters
Knies’ ability to win battles, work around the net and contribute at both ends could make him an important part of a line with Matthews and Roslovic. His pre-season work with that group offers an early test of how those complementary skills translate in game conditions.
IHM Roster Outlook
Knies has worked at left wing alongside Matthews and Roslovic through the first two days of camp, and Hiller plans to use the trio in the split-squad pre-season opener. Knies is entering the second season of his contract, while Chayka has told him he is a valuable part of the team.
IHM Tactical Outlook
Knies’ strength around the net, puck-retrieval work and willingness to play through the defensive zone are qualities Roslovic identified as valuable on the new line. The pre-season opener will provide an early look at how those traits fit alongside Matthews and Roslovic.
Mini Q&A
Is Matthew Knies healthy after last season’s knee issue?
Knies said he is “back to 100%, no issues with it” after a summer of rest and rehab. He missed three games in November for a knee injury, returned on Nov. 26 and did not miss another game that season.
Where is Knies playing in training camp and the pre-season?
Knies has skated at left wing with centre Auston Matthews and right wing Jack Roslovic through the first two days of training camp and the coach said that line will play in the split-squad pre-season opener at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET).
What were Knies’ statistics last season?
Knies had a career-high 66 points last season, with 23 goals and 43 assists in 79 games.
What is Knies’ contract situation?
Knies is entering the second season of a six-year, $46.5 million contract signed on July 1, 2025, with an average annual value of $7.75 million.
Has Knies been the subject of trade speculation?
Yes. Knies was the subject of trade rumours prior to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline and again around the 2026 NHL Draft; general manager John Chayka told Knies he considers him a valuable piece of the team.
Coach Mark Comment
The early value of this combination is straightforward: Knies can win pucks and work around the net, while Matthews and Roslovic bring skill and shooting. The pre-season opener is a useful first chance to see whether their timing develops in game conditions.
What Comes Next
Knies, Matthews and Roslovic will play together in the Maple Leafs’ split-squad pre-season opener at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET), a first on-ice checkpoint to assess the line in game conditions.
IHM Final View
Knies arrives at camp healthy and positioned to play with Matthews and Roslovic in the pre-season opener. His combination of strength, skill and two-way intent gives the line an intriguing early-camp look, while Matthews believes there is still plenty of room for Knies to grow.