Toronto’s second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is eligible to sign with the Maple Leafs when his collegiate season concludes at the end of the NCAA Frozen Four.
Toronto’s second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is eligible to sign with the Maple Leafs when his collegiate season concludes at the end of the NCAA Frozen Four.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward prospect Matthew Knies has been recognized for his outstanding season with the University of Minnesota.
The Phoenix native has been named one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, handed out to the NCAA's best male college hockey player.
Knies had 21 goals in 38 regular season games with the Golden Gophers, tying him for the team lead. His regular linemate, Arizona Coyotes draft pick Logan Cooley, is also one of three finalists.
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Knies' Golden Gophers are one of four teams competing at the 2023 Frozen Four which will be held in Tampa Bay. The single-game elimination tournament begins on April 6 with the championship game to be held on April 8. Once Minnesota’s season ends, Knies will be eligible to do so with the Maple Leafs and can begin playing on the club immediately.
Last year, Knies elected not to sign with the Maple Leafs to return to the University of Minnesota with the hopes of winning a national title. He's now two wins away.
When will the Hobey Baker Award winner be announced?
The announcement is set to take place during Frozen Four on April 7.
How soon could Knies make his Leafs debut?
If the Golden Gophers got knocked out in the semifinals and Knies signed a contract quick enough, the soonest he could play would be April 8 against the Montreal Canadiens in Toronto. What would be more likely, regardless of where his team finishes is Knies staying in Florida and meeting up with the team when they close out a three-game road trip against the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers on April 10-13.
Can Knies Join the Marlies at any point this season?
The short answer is no. If the Maple Leafs sign Knies to a three-year entry level contract with the first year beginning in 2022-23, Knies will not be eligible to play for the Toronto Marlies at any point. That includes a situation in which the Maple Leafs' season is over and the Marlies season is still going.
The only way Knies could play for the Marlies is if he signed an amateur tryout. But given the level of prospect, it's unlikely the Leafs would go this route.
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