“Don’t think I was mature enough” – Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Knies to be patient on NHL journey
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Matthew Knies
Young American ice Hockey forward Matthew Knies said it was a right but difficult decision not to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs after his freshman NCAA season. Knies (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) was selected by the Maple Leafs in the second round (No. 57) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
The 19-year-old Knies, who had 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 33 games last season, decided to wait more before attempting to make the jump to the National Hockey League. As a result, he wasn’t signed when his freshman season with the University of Minnesota ended on April 7.
“I don’t think I was ready to make the step yet, off the ice, on the ice, I don’t think I was mature enough as a player, as a person,” the forward prospect said at Maple Leafs Development Camp in July, as quoted by NHL.com.
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“Want to become a two-way player”
The Arizona native Knies, who had a couple of points (one goal, one assist) in four games with the United States of America at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, will represent his country at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in August.
He added: “I want to become a two-way player, define my game, be a complete player and play on both ends. Once I mature myself as a player, I think that’s when I can make the step and give the Leafs a boost and try to make them a better team.
“I thought I just needed one more year (with Minnesota) to become a better player. I know it’s a big step to make it to the NHL and I’m trying to make it a much smoother transition. I think I’m going to develop a lot next year and hopefully, I can join them at the end of the season.”
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Sachin Arora
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