While some observers have expressed concern that the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect pool may be drying up after having only three draft picks in the 2021 NHL Draft last month, early returns are promising on second round pick Matthew Knies.
The 18-year-old winger had seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in six games and according to US coach Nate Leaman was one of the surprises of a tournament that has some influence on who will make up the roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships in Alberta this December.
Leaman indicated via
Chris Peters that Knies showed the ability to score from distance, to use his 6’3”, 210 lb. frame to play a power game down low and showed good touch with the puck.
Leafs 2020 second rounder Roni Hirvonen and third rounder Topi Niemela, who played for Finland in last year’s WJC, also shined in the tournament. Hirvonen led the tournament with eight goals, while Niemela (who was named the WJC’s best defenseman last January) led all blueliners with six points (2 goals, 4 assists).