Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is not happy with the possibility of Arizona losing their professional hockey team.

By now, it’s well known that the Arizona Coyotes are in the process of possibly moving to Salt Lake City.

Since the Coyotes moved to Arizona in 1996, the team has brought joy to many people in the Valley and sparked a whole new generation of hockey players.

This includes Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies who grew up and played his youth hockey years right in Arizona.

The 21-year-old rookie opened up about his disappointment towards these recent developments regarding the Coyotes.

“Not too happy with the situation,” Knies says. “It’s pretty unfortunate. The Coyotes did a lot for me growing up, and I loved going to the games. It was a big reason as to why I got into hockey. But that kind of situation is out of my control. I’m hopeful that they can stay there, because it meant a lot to me, but I guess we’re gonna have to see what happens.”

In 76 games for the Maple Leafs this season, Knies has 15 goals, 20 assists and 35 points.

Without the Coyotes, who knows if guys like Knies, Auston Matthews and Josh Doan even end up playing the sport of hockey.

Having a professional hockey team in the Valley has really grown the sport in this area and inspires young kids to skate which could be affected if the team is indeed moving to Salt Lake City.

“When I was growing up, it wasn’t the hockey hotbed Colorado or Chicago or Detroit was. But it was definitely growing, and you could see the potential there,” Knies says.

“The Coyotes were a big part of that, and so it’s definitely gotten a lot better. I know a lot of kids are starting to pick up a hockey stick now, and it’s just really good to see. So, again, hope they can stay there.”

The Coyotes are a big part of people’s lives here in Arizona, so to have the team potentially just ripped away is really sad to see.

Regardless of what ultimately happens with relocation, hopefully the Coyotes created enough of a blueprint for hockey that will help the sport thrive in the desert for years to come.