Matthew Knies

BIOGRAPHY

Matthew Knies was born October 17, 2002, in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a forward in the NHL.

Beginning his collegiate career, Knies first played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2021–22 season. During his freshman season, he ranked tied for third on the team, and first among freshman, with 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points in 29 games. Following an outstanding season, he was a unanimous pick for the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and was named a finalist for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

The 2022–23 season saw further success for Knies, notably playing on a top line with fellow NHL prospects Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud that was considered one of the best in college ice hockey. He scored 21 goals and 21 assists in 40 games. He won the Big Ten Player of the Year award, and was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in American college ice hockey, with Cooley also one of the three. The Golden Gophers reached the national championship game at the 2023 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament, but ultimately were defeated by the Quinnipiac Bobcats in overtime. Following the tournament, he decided to conclude his collegiate career, finishing with 36 goals and 39 assists in 73 career games.

On April 9, 2023, Knies signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs. Upon his arrival in Toronto, he was hosted by team captain John Tavares at his house. Knies made his NHL debut on April 10, in a road game against the Florida Panthers. After playing in the final three games of the regular season, Knies continued with the team into the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. He notably had a primary assist on Tavares' series-clinching goal in Game 6 that saw the Maple Leafs win their first playoff series since 2004. The Maple Leafs faced the Panthers in the second round, and Knies scored his first career NHL goal against Sergei Bobrovsky in the opening game of the series on May 2.