Knies, 20, has recorded 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) through 40 games with the University of Minnesota (NCAA) this season. Knies helped Minnesota to the 2023 Men's Frozen Four National Championship. The Phoenix, AZ native has posted 75 points (36 goals, 39 assists) through 73 career NCAA games.
This season, Knies was recognized as the B1G Player of the Year. He was also named a Hobey Baker Award Finalist while being selected for the All-B1G First Team and the All-American West First Team. In the 2021-22 season, Knies was selected for the NCAA (B1G) All-Rookie Team and the NCAA (B1G) Second All-Star Team.
Internationally, Knies represented the USA at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games where he posted two points (one goal, one assist) in four games. Knies also represented the USA at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship where he posted three assists in five games.
"In two seasons playing for Coach Motzko and his program at the University of Minnesota, Matthew has participated in two Big Ten championship games, Two NCAA Frozen Four Championships, two World Junior Championship tournaments and one Winter Olympic Games," said Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas. "The impact of that experience in addition to the massive steps the program at University of Minnesota has helped him take on and off the ice are something that we are forever grateful for. We look forward to welcoming Matthew to our Club this week and helping him continue down the great development path he has been on with the Gophers."
Knies was originally drafted by Toronto in the second round (57th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
