Maple Leaf Fires Shot at the Deserted Arizona Coyotes Arena Ahead of Next Game

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Tom Banks
February 19, 2024 (6:34 PM)

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Matthew Knies has had a solid start to the 2023-24 season as a rookie, and now, he's showing plenty of personality to go along with that production on the ice.

Matthew Knies takes a shot at his hometown Arizona Coyotes

On Wednesday, Maple Leafs rookie Matthew Knies will head West and play his hometown Arizona Coyotes for the first time in his NHL career, and it's safe to say he's ready for the matchup.

Ahead of the game, Knies was asked whether or not he would have family at the game, and his answer put him in a huge group of people that have taken shots at the Arizona Coyotes and their arena situation.

Matthew Knies says he has about 50-60 people going to the game against Arizona «which is probably a section in that arena.»

Matthew Knies is becoming a huge part of Toronto's future

In 52 games this year, Matthew Knies has tallied 9 goals and 22 points, and at just 21-years of age, he's showing that he may be able to contribute to Toronto's top-six for years to come.

Now, he may have a target on his back heading to Arizona for the first time in his career, and if he can handle all of the attention his comments will get, it will give the Maple Leafs even more confidence in his personality going forward.

Ultimately, Knies wasn't the first and won't be the last player, fan or executive to call out the Coyotes arena situation, but at 21-years old, it will be incredibly interesting to see the reaction for the Phoenix native on Wednesday.