Maple Leafs’ rookie Matthew Knies PRAISES Auston Matthews, calls him the ‘best overall player’ in NHL

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Matthew Knies believes that his teammate Auston Matthews is the greatest overall player in NHL history.

Maple Leafs’ rookie Matthew Knies PRAISES Auston Matthews, calls him the ‘best overall player’ in NHL

Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies (Pic Credit: Imago)

As the teams and players begin their preparation for the start of the 2023-24 NHL season, the excitement among fans has risen to a new level. What strategies will teams take, and how the new players will gel together have been the most discussed points in recent weeks. It seems things are working out well at the Toronto Maple Leafs as rookie Matthew Knies called his teammate, Auston Matthews the ‘best overall player, in the NHL.

Matthews has been the trending topic from the Candain-based outfit as he recently penned down a long-time deal. Fans and pundits were left stunned by the amount involved in his new contract. Knies’ recent comment has now ignited a huge debate regarding his teammate and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid. There had been questions about what the Leafs’ star’s new contract meant to his rival.

YouTube video

Knies was at the Leafs training camp when he was asked about Matthews’ overall performance. The youngster did not hold back from praising his senior player and teammate. This comment from him has not gone down well in the Oilers fanbase.

FS Video

“Pretty damn good. He’s not just the best goal scorer in the NHL but he plays defense too. He’s kind of the best overall player in my eyes,” Knies said in his statement while participating in the NHLPA 2023 Upper Deck Rookie Showcase.

Related: Connor Bedard PREDICTS when ‘The Great Eight’ Alex Ovechkin will break NHL legend Wayne Gretzky’s record in wake of 2023-24 season

Auston Matthews under immense pressure to deliver next season following huge contract renewal

Matthews
Auston Matthews (Pic Credit: Leafs Nation)

While the talks regarding who is the better individual player between Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews is, the reality has been the same for both of them. McDavid on one side has spearheaded the attack of the Edmonton Oilers and has become their leader, whereas Matthews on the other hand has been a key figure going forward for the Maple Leafs.

However, the pressure is now more on Matthews following his recent contract renewal and their disappointing exit last season. He along with Mitch Marner was heavily criticized by the fans for their poor display during the earlier rounds of the Stanley Cup. He was unable to help his side avoid getting eliminated by the surprise package of Florida Panthers.

Matthews will start the next season with history in his reach. He currently has 299 goals in his career and one more would see him become the fastest player to achieve this feat in Leaf’s history. Their fans though want the big Stanley Cup as a prize next season and are dreaming of it. Matthews will have to a play huge part if he wants to turn the dreams of thousands of Maple Leafs fans into reality.

In case you missed it: