Knies, who chose to return to college for a second season, was making his first appearance at the Leafs development camp since being taken 57th overall in 2021.
— asked the just-retired Jason Spezza what he thought separated elite players from the rest of the pack.
That in a nutshell describes Knies, a 6-foot-3 power winger who wrestled with the idea of turning pro with the Maple Leafs in May only to decide to go back to the University of Minnesota for a second season. Knies was making his first appearance in Toronto since being taken 57th overall in 2021. He missed last season’s development camp – held in September – because school had already started. So he’s doing some catching up, shaking hands with team president Brendan Shanahan and getting to know the support staff and a little bit of the city he – presumably – will call home one day.
Of all the 43 players in camp, Knies is closest to NHL ready, having played in the Olympics, and he’ll get a second shot at the world juniors in August. Based on his answers, that seems doubtful. Others might fret GM Kyle Dubas will trade Knies – as he has other prospects – for help in the playoffs. But Knies – next season – might be the help the team needs in the playoffs.
“A lot of thought went into it,” said Knies. “I talked to my family, all my friends. I had a lot of people in my ear telling me what to do. I listened to them, I took everyone’s advice. But it came down to my decision and I thought I just needed one more year to become a better player. I know it’s a big step the next season. And also now I’m trying to make it a much smoother transition. I think I’m going to develop a lot next year and hopefully I can join at the end of the season.
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