Matthew Knies and the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to look and feel a lot different moving forward. It’s hard to say that from just one player leaving town, but not many were as impactful on and off the ice as Mitch Marner.
The Markham, Ontario, native got to live out the dream, drafted by his hometown Maple Leafs, soon becoming a star and face of the franchise. For nine seasons, Marner had the utmost regular-season success in Toronto, but he and the rest of the core could never translate it over to the playoffs.
Because of that, it was time for a change, which came this summer. Marner was dealt to Vegas in a sign-and-trade where he ultimately inked an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Golden Knights.
The change still hasn’t sunk in for many and won’t until the star winger debuts as a Golden Knight. For his former teammate and linemate, Matthew Knies, that is certainly the case, as he recently spoke to Joshua Kloke of The Athletic about Marner’s departure.
“It feels really weird, to be honest. It’s hard to picture him in a different jersey. It was once I realized that at this level it’s more of a business and you’ve got to do what’s best for yourself and your family. I hope he did that. I hope he enjoys himself and still has a lot of success because I think he meant a lot to our team and obviously me. It just feels awkward,” Knies said.
“I want that feeling that I’m playing for the whole city. I don’t really look at it as something that can tear me down.”
There is now more room in the Toronto spotlight for Matthew Knies. That’s exactly where he wants to be.
1-on-1 with the Leafs star:https://t.co/7MtOEfVQuD
— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) September 8, 2025
The 22-year-old spent the majority of the 2024-25 season on a line with Marner, breaking out for 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists) in 78 games.
Knies is up to the task of an increased role
Without Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs will be even more reliant on the star players that remain in the fold, one of those being Matthew Knies.
His emergence since coming to Toronto has the organization excited for what’s to come, and Knies is prepared to handle more pressure and responsibilities.
“I have to perform better and take on a little bit more ice time or take on a bigger role. If that’s what’s needed and expected, then you know I’m going to be ready for it and hopefully successful in those areas,” Knies said.
Brad Treliving and company showed their belief in the 2021 second-round pick (57th overall) this offseason, extending him to a six-year, $46.5 million extension.
Despite having only 161 games of NHL experience under his belt, Matthew Knies looks like an elite power forward already, and that contract should age tremendously for the Maple Leafs in the years to come.
