Auston Matthews has words for Matthew Knies

The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping that they've once again struck Arizona gold, as prospect Matthew Knies was selected in the second round, 57th overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. How ironic that the Leafs could soon have two top players hailing from the hockey hotbed of the southwest desert, given the fact that Phoenix native Auston Matthews is the reigning two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner as the NHL's top goal scorer. 

And now, Knies is officially on the roster. Over the weekend, the Leafs announced that they've signed Knies to a three year entry level contract after he registered 42 points in 40 games played with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers this season. 

“In two seasons playing for Coach Motzko and his program at the University of Minnesota, Matthew has participated in two Big Ten championship games, Two NCAA Frozen Four Championships, two World Junior Championship tournaments and one Winter Olympic Games,” Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said. “The impact of that experience in addition to the massive steps the program at University of Minnesota has helped him take on and off the ice are something that we are forever grateful for." 

And now, Matthews is sounding off on Knies joining the team: 

“Been a pretty big prospect for us for a couple years now so it will be fun to see what he’s all about," Matthews said. "It’s going to be fun to get to know him a little bit better and see him in this atmosphere.”

"He’s a mature kid. Obviously he’s a big boy and I’m sure he can handle his own," he continued. "I’m sure he’s excited even though it was a tough loss the other night."

The Maple Leafs are back in action tonight against the Florida Panthers, who can clinch their postseason ticket with two points.