It’s the dawn of a new era for Matthew Knies.
After signing a six-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, he’s no longer an up-and-coming prospect wowing everyone on an entry-level deal. Set to make nearly $8 million annually starting this season, he’s ready to bring his game to new heights.
“I made a huge step last season, and I want to do that again,” Knies said, speaking at training camp on Friday. “I think if I play my game, play strong and play physical through 82 games, I’m going to be very successful and help this team out a lot.”
With more money comes more responsibility, and the the 22-year-old is well aware of that. Coming into his third full season at the highest level, he’s looking to build consistency in his game to take on a bigger role.
“I think that there’s definitely a leadership role I can step into,” Knies said. “I can take on more this year. I’m getting a lot more experience, strength, and speed, really adjusting to the NHL lifestyle. So there’s a lot of places I can step in. I’m going to help out as much as possible when it comes to special teams or last minutes of games, stuff like that to help out the team.”
As a recent prospect himself, the American winger expanded on how he’d like to take on a mentorship role for any young players coming into the locker room this season.
“Hopefully there’s younger guys on the team I can help out a little bit,” he said. “Try to be more vocal and set a good example for everybody.”
Knies also spoke about Auston Matthews on Friday, sharing what he’s seen from Toronto’s captain now that he’s back to full strength.
“He’s really prepared and looks incredible out there,” Knies said. “I’m glad he’s 100% healthy, we’re gonna need him like that for the whole season … He comes in each season with the same mentality, he wants to be the best player and lead us. He’s done a good job of that every year.”
Both hailing from Phoenix, Matthews still trains in Arizona through the summers, but Knies prefers to stick further north.
“I spend most of my summers in Minnesota now training over there, Arizona’s just a little bit too hot for me,” he said. “I don’t know how [Matthews] does it, really.”
Now back in Toronto, Knies and Matthews are hard at work on the ice with preseason action kicking off on Sunday. As staples of the Maple Leafs’ top line, the two forwards will lead Toronto’s offensive group into battle this season, both looking for improved offensive numbers over last year.