Maple Leafs’ Knies could be beneficiary of Marner move

The dialog of which ahead will step up for the Toronto Maple Leafs is starting to develop as gamers reconvene for coaching camp. Toronto misplaced 100-point scorer Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, and failed discover a appropriate substitute on the open market.

That may depart the duty of filling Marner’s sneakers to one of many Leafs’ present stars. Left winger Matthew Knies dubbed William Nylander as one of the best guess in an interview with Lance Hornby
of the Toronto Sun. However following a real breakout efficiency final yr, Knies may very well be the one greatest setup for one more massive step.

Knies discovered his approach within the Maple Leafs lineup with a career-high 58 factors, break up evenly, in 78 video games. He discovered his approach onto Toronto’s top-line on the age of simply 22, changing into the heavy play-driver behind Auston Matthews and Marner. The star-studded firm helped Knies attain a lofty 19.1 taking pictures proportion that shall be robust to take care of, however his habits of driving exhausting into the slot will turn into a defining trait.

That fashion compliments the same heft and drive of Nylander, who has spearheaded probably the greatest second-lines within the league subsequent to passer John Tavares. Nylander reached a career-high 45 targets final season, after two seasons of scoring 40 targets. He’s undeniably
a star on the rise, although on the again of stepping up because the No. 1 of his personal line — reasonably than enjoying alongside Toronto’s different stars.

That impartial skill may persuade head coach Craig Berube to depart Nylander separate from the top-line. The Swedish star wouldn’t commit to a role when requested, saying his solely plans for subsequent yr are to dominate the minutes he does obtain. If Nylander doesn’t elevate to the top-line, Knies will confidently transfer into the road’s function of No. 2 behind Matthews. The obligations of that standing will embrace teeing up Matthews, and burying the rebounds that his heavy pictures generate.

Even on the again of a sky-high taking pictures proportion, Knies appears well-equipped to match that invoice. He confirmed may in all three layers of the offensive-zone, and continues to be extremely early in his skilled improvement. The assistance of a talented passer, like Matias Maccel
li, or the reserved grit of a participant like Nicolas Roy may very well be sufficient help to let Knies dig in his ft because the star Toronto wants.

A ramp into extra accountability is strictly what Knies is due for after flashing as a 30-goal hopeful final season. He faces a troublesome process in sustaining his efficiency from final season, and an excellent harder check to find methods to enhance. 

However in a lineup searching for a giant efficiency, Knies may very well be the one holding essentially the most potential. Rising to the heights of 65, and even 70, factors would keep Toronto’s mighty top-six, vindicate Knies’ recent contract extension, and undoubtedly cement him because the membership’s largest draft steal in years.