In the world of hockey, there is a new dynamic duo emerging that has everyone talking – Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. These two young players are not only lighting it up on the ice, but they are also forming a bond off the ice as well.
Knies revealed, “Me and him play tennis here and there. I smoke him.” However, Matthews was quick to set the record straight, stating, “He’s never beat me in tennis. Never. He literally walked into the gym and told me he said that and I said, ‘I can’t believe you’d lie to the media like that.’ It’s crazy.”
Their friendship and competitive banter are just some of the reasons why these two are thriving together at Maple Leafs training camp. Knies has been given the incredible opportunity to skate on Toronto’s top line with Matthews and Mitch Marner, and he is determined to make the most of it.
“It’s a privilege,” Knies shared. “I have to earn my keep there. I’m going to work my tail off to stay there and support them. It’s a huge honour to play with those guys.”
Their new head coach, Craig Berube, recognizes the potential in this line combination. “He is a big guy,” Berube noted. “He skates well. He is a physical player with some hands. He is a guy who goes to the net and is going to create loose pucks in the offensive zone, be a good forechecker, and be responsible defensively.”
Knies had an impressive rookie season, posting 15 goals and 20 assists in 80 games. His hard work paid off when he was elevated to the top line after Tyler Bertuzzi struggled to find his footing. While Bertuzzi eventually found his groove and reclaimed his spot, Knies proved his worth during the playoffs, playing alongside John Tavares and Marner and scoring two crucial goals in the seven-game series against the Boston Bruins.
As these two talented players continue to build chemistry both on and off the ice, the hockey world eagerly awaits to see what they can accomplish together in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies as they take the hockey world by storm.
