The dialog of which ahead will step up for the Toronto Maple Leafs is starting to develop as gamers reconvene for coaching camp. Toronto misplaced 100-point scorer Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, and failed discover a appropriate substitute on the open market.
That may depart the duty of filling Marner’s footwear to one of many Leafs’ present stars. Left winger Matthew Knies dubbed William Nylander as one of the best wager in an interview with Lance Hornby
of the Toronto Sun. However following a real breakout efficiency final 12 months, Knies might be the one greatest setup for an additional huge step.
Knies discovered his method within the Maple Leafs lineup with a career-high 58 factors, cut up evenly, in 78 video games. He discovered his method onto Toronto’s top-line on the age of simply 22, changing into the heavy play-driver behind Auston Matthews and Marner. The star-studded firm helped Knies attain a lofty 19.1 capturing share that will probably be robust to keep up, however his habits of driving laborious into the slot will turn into a defining trait.
That fashion compliments the same heft and drive of Nylander, who has spearheaded among the best second-lines within the league subsequent to passer John Tavares. Nylander reached a career-high 45 targets final season, after two seasons of scoring 40 targets. He’s undeniably
a star on the rise, although on the again of stepping up because the No. 1 of his personal line — quite than enjoying alongside Toronto’s different stars.
That unbiased capacity might persuade head coach Craig Berube to go away Nylander separate from the top-line. The Swedish star wouldn’t commit to a role when requested, saying his solely plans for subsequent 12 months are to dominate the minutes he does obtain. If Nylander doesn’t elevate to the top-line, Knies will confidently transfer into the road’s function of No. 2 behind Matthews. The tasks of that standing will embody teeing up Matthews, and burying the rebounds that his heavy pictures generate.
Even on the again of a sky-high capturing share, Knies appears well-equipped to match that invoice. He confirmed would possibly in all three layers of the offensive-zone, and continues to be extremely early in his skilled growth. The assistance of a talented passer, like Matias Maccel
li, or the reserved grit of a participant like Nicolas Roy might be sufficient help to let Knies dig in his toes because the star Toronto wants.
A ramp into extra accountability is precisely what Knies is due for after flashing as a 30-goal hopeful final season. He faces a troublesome process in sustaining his efficiency from final season, and a good harder take a look at find methods to enhance.
However in a lineup on the lookout for a giant efficiency, Knies might be the one holding essentially the most potential. Rising to the heights of 65, and even 70, factors would preserve Toronto’s mighty top-six, vindicate Knies’ recent contract extension, and undoubtedly cement him because the membership’s greatest draft steal in years.
