'Timing Is Right to Work On Some Different Things': Why Matthew Knies Was Moved to Maple Leafs' Top Line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner
The Maple Leafs are looking for more secondary scoring but will also put their 21-year-old rookie on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are shaking things up in an attempt to drive some secondary scoring and the biggest change came at the very top.
Following a 6-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe moved rookie forward to the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
The Maple Leafs held their first full practice since Oct. 30. Up until that time, the club took days away from the ice to recover from being on the road for six of their last seven games until Saturday's game.
"Between that and what’s happening with our group of late, timing’s right to work on some different things," Keefe said of the change.
Knies has struggled to find the back of the net since he scored twice and added an assist in a 4-3 comeback win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. All three of his points have come in that one game.
"I just want to find a little more consistency and playing well and playing to my strengths," Knies said of his game. I have a few strands there that were good. I strung a few games that were pretty good for me but I have to keep that consistent for every game."
Keefe said on Saturday night that the lack of scoring in the bottom six was concerning. When asked a follow-up on how he can get them going, the head coach named three players — Knies, David Kampf, and Max Domi — who he'd like to see more offense from.
"It's a lot of heavy lifting for our top guys right now for sure," he continued.
The 21-year-old spend some time skating with Matthews and Marner during the playoffs last season.
"It’s a privilege to play with those two," Knies said of his linemates. Obviously, they’re incredible players. I’m excited about it. I’m really happy to be there and I’m just going to help them as much as I can."
Knies, Kampf and Domi had played on the third line together since that game against the Lightning. All three were on separate lines at practice Sunday.
David Kampf was bumped down to the fourth line to be reunited with Noah Gregor and Ryan Reaves. The trio opened the season together as a line and Kampf was mixed in with those players for defensive-zone situations on Saturday.
Meanwhile, it looks like Max Domi will get a look at center after spending the entire season as a winger.
The Maple Leafs are 15th in the league in average goals scored per game (3.18) a far cry from the near top of the league status they've held for several season.
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