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 go away the duty of filling Marner’s sneakers to one of many Leafs’ present stars. Left winger Matthew Knies dubbed William Nylander as the most effective guess in an interview with Lance Hornby
of the Toronto Solar. However following a real breakout efficiency final yr, Knies might be the one finest setup for one more massive step.
Knies discovered his manner within the Maple Leafs lineup with a career-high 58 factors, break up evenly, in 78 video games. He discovered his manner onto Toronto’s top-line on the age of simply 22, changing into the heavy play-driver behind Auston Matthews and Marner. The star-studded firm helped Knies attain a lofty 19.1 taking pictures proportion that might be robust to keep up, however his habits of driving arduous into the slot will develop into a defining trait.
That type compliments the same heft and drive of Nylander, who has spearheaded the most effective 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 — relatively than taking part in alongside Toronto’s different stars.
That unbiased skill might persuade head coach Craig Berube to go away Nylander separate from the top-line. The Swedish star wouldn’t decide to a task when requested, saying his solely plans for subsequent yr 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 position of No. 2 behind Matthews. The tasks of that standing will embrace teeing up Matthews, and burying the rebounds that his heavy pictures generate.
Even on the again of a sky-high taking pictures proportion, Knies appears well-equipped to match that invoice. He confirmed would possibly in all three layers of the offensive-zone, and continues to be extremely early in his skilled improvement. The assistance of a talented passer, like Matias Maccel
li, or the reserved grit of a participant like Nicolas Roy might be sufficient help to let Knies dig in his ft because the star Toronto wants.
A ramp into extra duty is precisely what Knies is due for after flashing as a 30-goal hopeful final season. He faces a tricky activity in sustaining his efficiency from final season, and a fair harder take a look at to find methods to enhance.
However in a lineup in search of a giant efficiency, Knies might 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’ latest contract extension, and undoubtedly cement him because the membership’s greatest draft steal in years.
