Matthew Knies: Will he or won’t he?

Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Knies has a big decision to make. The 2021 second-round pick can sign with Toronto or return to college for one more year. Many Leafs fans are keen to see Knies play a role in the NHL playoffs but others can see the value of him waiting one more year before making the jump.

影片文字轉錄稿

- The big question around Matthew Knies right now is, will he sign with the Leafs now, or will he sign with the Leafs later? And a lot of Leafs fans are going back and forth on the idea. You know, does it make sense for him to join the team now and potentially be a top-six option, maybe? Or does he go back, and you'll go back for another run at a championship? And that's something that's actually been mentioned, is that the majority of Matthew Knies' team in college-- they're all returning. And perhaps it's the whole idea of "unfinished business," you know?

And I understand the back-and-forth when it comes to Leafs fans. I understand the Leafs fans who really do want Matthew Knies in the lineup, considering all the highlights we've seen, how he played for USA at the Olympics. But at the same time, I think we also have to remember that once you get into the NHL, you can't go back to college. And this might be one of, if not his last, opportunities to get a championship, to get a title in college. So personally, I understand the decision. And I think, you know, whether it's now, whether it's later, I do believe that Matthew Knies is going to be a Leaf. But, you know, let's make sure that he's not frustrated with the fan base once he actually gets here.