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Matthew Knies says recent call-ups have ‘lots of potential’ to help Maple Leafs in the future
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Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Apr 13, 2026, 12:15 EDTUpdated: Apr 13, 2026, 12:06 EDT
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For the first time in Matthew Knies’ young National Hockey League career, the forward won’t be a part of the excitement of playoff hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves second last place in the Eastern Conference with two games to go, holding a record of 32-34-14, in what is the most disappointing season in recent memory. 
“It’s different, to be honest. I haven’t really seen this in my career, so you just look at the guy beside you, the guys in the locker room and the logo to try and play your best,” Knies said following the Maple Leafs morning skate. 
Knies is currently in his third full season at the NHL level. Knies has appeared in 77 games, recording 23 goals and a career high in both assists with 41 and points with 64. The 64 points place Knies third among all Maple Leafs skaters, trailing only William Nylander and John Tavares. The 23-year-old touched on his view of the 2025-26 campaign. 
“I think there’s ways I could have done more to help us get into a better position and a playoff spot,” Knies said. “I never really look at it from an individual standpoint; I look at it as a team, and I just felt like we didn’t hit our goals this year. That’s the thing I’m going to look at this season.” 
For much of the season, Knies has dealt with a nagging knee injury, admitting that he didn’t feel like himself for portions of the season. With the compact schedule this season due to the Olympics, Knies wasn’t afforded the luxury of rest to help get his knee to a better spot to play. Knies touched on how much the injury affected him this year. 
“It definitely didn’t help, but again I’ve been playing every game and playing some pretty big minutes in a couple of those games, so I don’t think it was a major thing,” Knies said. 
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke about what he’s seen from Knies this season and what the forward should take away from this year. 
“Obviously, he’s been grinding this year with the injury. I got to give him credit fighting through it, through the whole season’s end,” Berube said. “You’re not always going to feel great, and you have to find a way to get through it, and he’s done that, and I’ll give him credit for that. He’s had a pretty good year with the numbers, scoring is down a little bit from last year, with the goals, but like I said, it’s been a grind for him all year.” 
With the Maple Leafs eliminated from playoff contention, the opportunity to see players from within the organization make their NHL debuts has increased in recent weeks. Artur Akhtyamov, Luke Haymes, and William Villeneuve have all skated in their first NHL games this season, with former seventh-round draft pick in 2020 Ryan Tverberg set to join them tonight. Knies spoke about what it’s been like to see these players get experience at the NHL level. 
“It’s good energy. All of those guys are eager to play, and all of them have earned it with their play with the Marlies,” Knies said. “Watching them practice, these guys are really good players that I think have a lot of potential to help our team in the coming years.” 

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