Matt Knies Informs the Maple Leafs He’s Going Back to School

Multiple reports have noted that highly-touted prospect Matt Knies has informed the Toronto Maple Leafs he’s going back to school for another year. He’ll return to Minnesota and try to win a National Championship. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman writes, “Unfinished business, chance to win it all with the Gophers.”

Related: Maple Leafs Quick Hits: Matthews vs. Ovechkin & Upcoming Playoffs

Matthew Knies has informed TOR he will return to Minnesota next season. Unfinished business, chance to win it all with the Gophers.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 14, 2022

While this will be seen as a disappointment by a lot of Leafs Nation, the good news for Maple Leafs’ fans Matt Federico says that Toronto has “no reason to be concerned about his future with the organization.” In other words, it doesn’t sound like Knies is going back to school and then sitting out and testing free agency when he’s eligible.

Darren Dreger of TSN writes, “Knies has never been in a rush at any level of his development, so another year at U of Minnesota won’t hurt. Toronto supports his decision, but believes he was ready to make the jump. All positive.” Keep in mind too, that while the Leafs kept a roster spot open for Knies, there was no guarantee that Knies would play in the Maple Leafs on a regular basis or be in the top nine. That likely weighed into his decision not to join the team at this time.

At  6’3″ and 205 pounds, the Maple Leafs are excited about his potential and eager to get his frame and style of game onto the roster. It just won’t be this season. He’ll have a harder time going the distance as Ben Meyers won’t be back with the Gophers next season (he signed with Colorado). Knies will be the team’s best forward.

It will be intriguing to see how much fans of the Maple Leafs overreact to the news.

Next: Tarasenko Changes His Tune About Staying With St. Louis Blues