Shane Wright and two other NHL stars will break out in 2023-24

Toronto Maple Leafs – Matthew Knies

Matthew Knies is going to be a great player for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was drafted in the second round (57th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft and quickly became a player to watch in Toronto.

At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has an NHL body to go along with his on-ice skills. Knies made four stops throughout hockey in the 2021-2022 season, totaling 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 43 games.

Last season, Knies played for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers of the NCAA, recording 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points in 40 games. He then made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs, totaling one point in three games.

His debut was not an offensive outburst but he did prove that he can play in the NHL. His speed, creativity, and moves to get open are some of the tools in his skill set.

Toronto does not have the deepest prospect pool but they are loaded at the forward position. He could, like Levi and Wright, put up those impressive numbers to be a Calder Trophy finalist this season.

He is offensively gifted and fits right in with the loaded Toronto offense. He is in the right system as he is surrounded by the right players.