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Matthew Knies Makes 'Sad' Admission About Mitch Marner's Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 6:48 AM ET

Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights didn’t just mark the end of an era of Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey, but it also hit hard for the youngest of his linemates in Canada, Matthew Knies.

Knies broke out last season playing in the Leafs' first forward line alongside Marner and Auston Matthews, scoring a career-best 29 goals.

Opposite to what Marner did ahead of free agency, Knies signed a six-year extension worth $7.75 million per season and $46.5 million overall, committing to a long-term future in Toronto.

On Monday, the 22-year-old winger reflected on what Marner meant to his development and the lessons he’s carrying forward now that the star winger won't be around anymore.

Matthew Knies on the Mitch Marner trade: pic.twitter.com/Mv5fDIFpsn
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) July 1, 2025

"I mean, it’s sad to see him go," Knies said on Tuesday. "He’s an incredible player, incredible person. Yeah, I wasn’t excited to see that at all. I think getting to play with him for the past two years has been incredible, and getting to learn from him."

Knies had kind words for Marner, who shared the ice with him and helped him develop for the past couple of seasons.

"I can’t thank him enough for what he did," Knies said. "But yeah, I think we’re excited for the group we have. I think we saw some huge pieces coming back, and obviously some great players still there, so I’m excited for this year. I think we’re gonna have a good group."

Thanks to Marner's move coming via sign-and-trade, the Leafs were able to add center Nicolas Roy from Vegas in the exchange for their now-former winger, following that up with the acquisitions of winger Matias Maccelli and Michael Pezzetta.

For Knies, the changes reinforce his belief in general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube.

"We’ve made great moves, some great additions, and I think we’ll be stronger as a team. Craig was a huge influence. He loved the north–south game, the physicality. And that’s where my game is — get around the net, make it hard on their defence and goalie."

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

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