Knies, selected by the Maple Leafs in the second round (No. 57) of the 2021 NHL Draft, has had a breakout season for the Golden Gophers. Heading into Minnesota's national semifinal against Boston University at Amalie Arena (5 p.m. ET; ESPN2), the sophomore has 41 points (21 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games. He was named the 2023 Big Ten Player of the Year and is a finalist, along with Minnesota forward Logan Cooley and Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the best player in NCAA hockey.
His success has led to speculation that he will go pro after Minnesota's season ends and join the Maple Leafs, but the 20-year-old said no decision has been made.
"The Maple Leafs] have been in good communication with me," Knies said Wednesday. "They've obviously been very professional about it and they've given me my space to let me focus on being here. I haven't really thought so much about it and I think once the season really ends I can sit back down with them and weigh the pros and the cons."
Toronto ends its regular season April 13 and will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which begin April 17.
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For now, Knies is focusing on helping the Golden Gophers win their first national title since 2003. Quinnipiac and Michigan will face off in the second semifinal Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN2), with the championship game Saturday.
Last season, the Golden Gophers lost to Minnesota State 5-1 in the semifinals. Knies believes that the Gophers are even more focused this time around and will use that experience to tighten up their defense.
"We're pretty excited to be back," Knies said. "It's cool to be around here. We had fans greeting us at the airport and some people here for the practice. There's a lot of buzz in the city and that's made it feel special."
When asked to describe whom he models his game after, Knies mentioned Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch and Lightning forward Alex Killorn.
"A little bigger player, smart with the puck, not too flashy," Knies said. "I'm an old-style hockey player. I try to use my size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) to my advantage and use my speed -- that's my greatest strength. I can drive the net and make plays. I think I am most dangerous around the net, so I like to make that my office and I can set up my teammates from there."
Knies takes pride in his desire to fight through traffic to get in front of the net. He said his style of play is based on the confidence that he can come away with the puck in tight spaces.
"My job is to get in the dirty areas, get in the blue paint, battle on the boards," Knies said. "You have to have confidence in yourself to do that, and I'm confident that I can go into those areas and come away with the puck. That's what I like to do, and that's what I bring to the table."
