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 can depart the duty of filling Marner’s footwear to one of many Leafs’ present stars. Left winger Matthew Knies dubbed William Nylander as the perfect guess in an interview with Lance Hornby
of the Toronto Sun. However following a real breakout efficiency final 12 months, Knies could possibly be the one finest setup for an additional large step.
Knies discovered his method within the Maple Leafs lineup with a career-high 58 factors, cut up evenly, in 78 video games. He discovered his method onto Toronto’s top-line on the age of simply 22, turning into the heavy play-driver behind Auston Matthews and Marner. The star-studded firm helped Knies attain a lofty 19.1 capturing proportion that might be robust to take care of, however his habits of driving arduous into the slot will develop into a defining trait.
That fashion compliments the same heft and drive of Nylander, who has spearheaded among the finest second-lines within the league subsequent to passer John Tavares. Nylander reached a career-high 45 objectives final season, after two seasons of scoring 40 objectives. He’s undeniably
a star on the rise, although on the again of stepping up because the No. 1 of his personal line — slightly than enjoying alongside Toronto’s different stars.
That unbiased capability may persuade head coach Craig Berube to go away Nylander separate from the top-line. The Swedish star wouldn’t commit to a role when requested, saying his solely plans for subsequent 12 months 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 duties of that standing will embrace teeing up Matthews, and burying the rebounds that his heavy photographs generate.
Even on the again of a sky-high capturing proportion, Knies appears well-equipped to match that invoice. He confirmed may in all three layers of the offensive-zone, and remains to be extremely early in his skilled growth. The assistance of a talented passer, like Matias Maccel
li, or the reserved grit of a participant like Nicolas Roy could possibly be sufficient assist to let Knies dig in his ft because the star Toronto wants.
A ramp into extra duty is strictly what Knies is due for after flashing as a 30-goal hopeful final season. He faces a troublesome activity in sustaining his efficiency from final season, and an excellent harder check find methods to enhance.
However in a lineup in search of a giant efficiency, Knies could possibly be the one holding essentially the most potential. Rising to the heights of 65, and even 70, factors would preserve Toronto’s mighty top-six, vindicate Knies’ recent contract extension, and undoubtedly cement him because the membership’s largest draft steal in years.
