Matthew Knies Takes Aim at Leadership Role For Maple Leafs at Traverse City Prospects Tournament
The 20-year-old is participating in his first Traverse City Prospects Tournament with the Maple Leafs.
Matthew Knies is ready to take another step in his development following an impressive NHL debut last spring.
The 20-year-old towered over the media Wednesday ahead of the Maple Leafs' flight to Traverse City for the prospects tournament. Knies, to many, was a surprise addition to Toronto's roster as he's already spent some time with the big club.
Going to a tournament like this, a players goal might be to dominate. But for Knies, it's all about leadership.
"Just to be prepared, get ready for training camp," the 20-year-old said of what he's looking to takeaway from this experience. "Try to learn some leadership qualities being here with some younger players, so just try to take it all in, get my feet under me and get buzzing for training camp."
Knies joins an already fascinating group of Maple Leafs prospects heading to Traverse City. The team practised on Wednesday before travelling to Michigan and Knies was paired with another leader in second-round pick Fraser Minten.
Knies played throughout the Maple Leafs' top-nine during his 10 games last season. During that time, the 20-year-old learned a lot, and in doing so, it gave him more belief in himself.
"I think it gives me a little boost of confidence," Knies said. "Getting that experience from last year, that was a tremendous experience and getting to play with some of the best players here, it's something I didn't take for granted.
"I just want to pass that along to these younger players is what I learned from them (the Leafs veterans)."
But why is Knies, an almost lock to make the Maple Leafs, headed to the Traverse City Prospects Tournament? How did he and Toronto come to this decision?
The 20-year-old calls it a "nice opportunity" for himself to get ready for training camp, and to gain more leadership qualities.
"Obviously I came off last season with an injury and it kind of got cut short compared to the other guys here, so it's going to be nice to get some games in, get some bumps in before training camp starts.
"And also, it gets me in a position to learn to be a leader, learn some leadership skills, and I think that's wonderful being around the younger players that are eventually going to be here (with the Leafs), it's pretty nice to get to know them better and I'm just excited to be a part of it."
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