Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Embraces Pressure Following Marner Departure

"I have to perform better and take on a little bit more ice time or take on a bigger role,” Knies told Joshua Kloke of The Athletic. “If that’s what’s needed and expected, then you know I’m going to be ready for it and hopefully successful in those areas.”

Toronto will need Knies to help supplant the offense lost by Marner’s offseason trade to Vegas. Marner recorded 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) in his final regular season with the Leafs. The Leafs acquired center Nicolas Roy from the Golden Knights as part of the June 30 sign-and-trade.

“It feels really weird, to be honest. It's hard to picture him in a different jersey,” Knies said of Marner in the same interview with The Athletic. “It was once I realized that at this level it’s more of a business and you’ve got to do what’s best for yourself and your family. I hope he did that. I hope he enjoys himself and still has a lot of success because I think he meant a lot to our team and obviously me. It just feels awkward.”

Knies and the Leafs agreed to a six-year, $7.75 million average annual value contract extension on Jul. 1. The 6-foot-3 forward has tallied 94 regular season points (44 goals, 50 assists) through 161 regular season games played.

His growth and postseason performances have Leafs fans buzzing about his potential heading into the 2025-26 campaign. Knies chipped in five goals and two assists in 13 games during the 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoffs. Over three seasons, he has amassed 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 27 career playoff games.

Knies appears to be on track to fully justify Toronto’s decision to draft him 57th overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft. He is projected to skate on the left wing of Auston Matthews on the Leafs' top line.

It's very possible that Knies could exceed 60 points, and possibly crack the 70-point barrier in his fourth NHL season.