Matthew Knies believes the post-Mitch Marner Leafs can succeed

Article content

He’ll miss Mitch Marner, for sure, but Matthew Knies does like the new guys.

The sting of losing his star linemate, who helped Knies to a breakout season and, by extension, to his own new six-year deal, was offset by a couple of new faces joining the Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Toronto gained centre Nicolas Roy in the sign-and-trade of Marner to Vegas and added physical winger Michael Pezzetta from Montreal. This, one day after acquiring creative winger Matias Maccelli in a trade. And there could be more new blood, as general manager Brad Treliving joked about having “loose change” this summer, or a prospect such as Easton Cowan might make the team at training camp.

But for now, the engine of the first line is gone, leaving Auston Matthews at centre and Knies on the left.

“I’m not excited to see one of our captains and veteran players on another team,” Knies conceded on a Zoom call. “Mitch taught me a lot. But that’s the business of the game.

“We’ve made great moves, some great additions and I think we’ll be stronger as a team. I have faith in Tree and (coach) Craig Berube to create a winning team. Craig was a huge influence. He loved the north–south game, the physicality. And that’s where my game is, get around the net, make it hard on their defence and goalie.

“He taught me the little things and gave me the healthy criticism I need.”

Knies signed for six years at a $7.75 million US AAV, quashing both restricted free agency and the chance of a rival’s offer sheet.

“In my trajectory as a player, this was the sweet spot for both of us,” Knies said. “I wanted to get it done before free agency and help (Treliving) out as much as possible. A (shorter) bridge deal wasn’t in my head, I wanted longer term.”

Treliving was relieved to have “a big piece” settled ahead of July 1.

“These RFA files can go well into the summer. I commend Matty, his representatives and (assistant GM) Brandon Pridham. We all dug in on this for what seemed like months and came to a good conclusion.

“We think he’s just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of.”

Knies, who had 29 goals and 29 assists in his second full season said John Tavares’ decision to come back with a hometown discount a few days ago made a major impression. Knies stayed at then team captain Tavares’ house when he broke in a couple of years ago.

“That means a lot that he believes in the program and wants to stay,” Knies said. “I’ve learned a ton from that guy and look forward to four more years soaking up all that knowledge.

“We have a great group of unbelievable players, we’re continually making the playoffs and making pushes. That was a huge part of (wanting to return). The culture and the city, I just love it all.”

Knies planned to celebrate his new deal with friends and family during Fourth of July week in his home country, but said he’ll go right into training for 2025-26.

“I don’t think I have to get any heavier,” said the 227-pounder. “There is a lot of room in the skating aspect to be better and faster, turning a bit of that weight into muscle and becoming quicker and faster, more prepared, get stronger in the smaller areas (of the ice).”

Lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby