Matthew Knies Scouting Reports

Knies has found himself bouncing up and down the lineup with the Leafs forward group for stretches in his rookie season.
Through his first 50GP - he's averaged 14:16 TOI - 13:20 ES - 0:34 PP - 0:20 PK
No issues with his effort / compete
There are times his detail / managing pucks / clearing his zone / locking onto his responsibility defensively has ranged - but for a rookie he's generally been average plus overall in al three zones.
Extends plays along the wall. Battles for net front position. Scores in streaks. Still evolving. Compliments line mates who aren't as engaged physically
9G - 11A - 20PTS (+4)
Credited with 91 hits

Through his first 17 regular season games Knies has averaged 14:07 TOI - 12:59 ES - 0:27 PP - 0:40 PK
He's been used on every one of the top three lines and played to his identity.
Knies is a heavy player in the trenches. He continues to battle along the wall and create a distraction around the opponents crease. He's been credited with 26 hits and 4 shot blocks
He's on pace for over 20 goals in his rookie season ... having scored 5G-4A so far.

Consistent compete - empties the tank
Willing to sacrifice his body in the hard areas of the ice - battles along the wall and net front in the offensive zone
Extends plays - absorbs contact
Good quickness and open ice pace
Upside to be used in a variety of roles - especially ES and PP -
Compliments lighter / skilled linemates with his approach - Trending top 6 NHL forward

Playing to his identity at Minnesota in his Sophomore season and trending up again.
Scoring timely goals in all situations - ES, PP, PK, OT
Appears to be quicker to open space / winning more open ice races to pucks
A threat on the PP coming off the half wall and going to the net creating screens, tips, and cleaning up rebounds. Leans more goal scorer than playmaker but his ability to extend plays along the wall benefits his line mates. Average TOI hovering close to 20:00 a night.

At the World Juniors (Edmonton) he struggled to produce the offense he is capable of
Board battle was sound. He opened up space for line mates and extended plays.
Continues to show willingness to get to the crease area and cause distraction
Transporting the puck and finding open space to direct shots on goal was a challenge at the WJC
Looking for him to reset come the fall at Minnesota

AVG TOI (15:33) (ES and PP) (Potential to be a top 6 forward)
In the 31 games leading into the NCAA tourney (12G-17A-29pts)(+14) (31pims)
4 goals on the PP. Generated the 3rd most shots on goal (90) on the team.
Big body. Attacks with speed. Goes to hard areas. Ability to extend plays along the boards and down low (below the goal line) is an attractive element. Not just a power forward. He brings an element of finesse as well. Sound IQ. Aware. Reads/Reacts in all three zones.

Off to a great start in his Freshman season
Averaging over a PPG
Big body forward who moves very well. Quick in transition. Backs opponents off.
Uses his size to his advantage in the hard areas
Extends plays along the boards and down low in the offensive zone.
Well rounded prospect who brings combination of power and finesse
Reliable and skilled enough to be used in all situations.