MAJOR: Matthew Knies Expected to get sent down to the AHL

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Nathan Leblanc
October 9, 2023 (9:34)

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After impressing for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the end of the 2022-2023 NHL season including the Leafs' most recent playoff run, it appears that Matthew Knies will be facing a situation he didn't expect to be in.

The Maple Leafs' Puzzling Decision Looms

Sources to the Toronto Maple Leafs and their decision-makers have hinted at the imminent arrival of shocking news for Matthew Knies. It appears that the organization is poised to reassign Knies to the American Hockey League (AHL) within the next day or two.

It's important to note that this anticipated move primarily serves as a strategic maneuver to achieve salary cap compliance, especially in anticipation of potentially placing Conor Timmins on Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). Despite the initial assignment, Knies is expected to remain a prominent figure in the Maple Leafs' opening night lineup.

Knies' Opportunity in the Spotlight

Assuming Matthew Knies will be starting the season with the Maple Leafs, he is expected to be an important piece of the puzzle for the Leafs' potentially challenging for the Stanley Cup. Despite only playing a handful of regular season and playoff games at the NHL level, he impressed with his strong puck battling and maturity of his game despite being an incoming rookie.

Knies is expected to assume a middle-six role within the team as the season unfolds and his performance will determine whether he will be able to one-day become a top-line winger for the Leafs' organization. Anticipation runs high as Knies is likely to be a prominent topic of discussion in the early stages of the season. A blazing start could even propel him into the conversation for the coveted Rookie of the Year honors against the likes of Connor Bedard and Devon Levi.

As seen on MarkerZone - MAJOR: Massive Setback Expected for Matthew Knies