John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Makes His Feelings Clear About Upcoming Mitch Marner Showdown

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights didn’t just shake up the Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward corps, but also set the stage for a highly anticipated matchup between Marner and his former teammates next season.

After spending nine years with the Maple Leafs, Marner will face his former team for the first time in the 2025-26, and that'll mark a special opportunity for 22-year-old Toronto forward Matthew Knies.

Knies and Marner only shared the ice for two seasons, but the younger forward is already looking forward to go against his former mentor.

Speaking on Daily Faceoff's "Morning Cuppa Hockey" podcast on Wednesday, Knies made it clear there's no real rivalry for now, but also that he can't wait to face Marner and his preference for the outcome of that meeting.

"I don't think it's a rivalrly," Knies said. "Obviously I want to beat him, but I think it's just business as usual."

Knies took time to reflect on what Marner meant to him during their time together in Toronto.

"I love the guy. He did a lot for me in his two years here, and he made me so comfortable, made me a better player, a better person," Knies said.

The Maple Leafs acquired Nicolas Roy in the trade that sent Marner to Vegas, where the former Toronto star signed an eight-year, $96 million deal.

Knies, meanwhile, signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension with Toronto after his breakout year with the Leafs, scoring 29 goals and 58 points last season.

The Leafs are set to visit the Golden Knights on January 15, with the return game in Toronto coming a week later on January 23.

Knies acknowledged that it’ll be nice to reconnect with Marner off the ice, but when the puck drops, he’s focused on getting the win.

"May off the ice, it'll be nice to just chat with him and get to say hi," Knies said. "I haven't seen him in quite a bit with the summer now, so, obviously, (as) we're not going to be on the same team during the year, just getting to chat with him for a little bit would be cool."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: