The Toronto Maple Leafs liked what they saw from Matthew Knies, who provided an instant impact upon his insertion into the lineup for Game 2 of what would be their eventually successful Round 1 Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
However, Toronto's luck has turned backwards against the other National Hockey League team in the Sunshine State, as the Florida Panthers would eventually eliminate them in five games. What's worse, Knies was absent stating from midway through Game 2 after a controversial incident with Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who drove him into the boards and then tackled him to the ice. He didn't return to the series.
But things are looking up for Knies, who is almost certainly going to be on the Opening Night roster for the Leafs in October. And for former NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau, he has a rather unique comparison for Knies: Matt Boldy of the Minnesota Wild.
"[Domi] is not going to get power play time, I don't think," Boudreau said. "I think Knies will be the one that will be getting the power play time and he reminds me - I watch Minnesota a lot too, as you can understand - and he reminds me of Matt Boldy. If he becomes the player that Matt Boldy did, then the Leafs have got a real gem there."
Leafs fans, what are you expecting from Knies this season?
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