Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies has an idea for who should replace Mitch Marner on the top line.
Marner was part of a sign-and-trade to the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason, and the Maple Leafs haven’t truly found a replacement for him. However, Knies believes the replacement may be in-house as he thinks William Nylander makes sense playing on the top line alongside him and Auston Matthews.
“Willy is pretty dynamic,” Knies said to The Toronto Sun. “That wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.”
Nylander finished second in points on the Maple Leafs, only trailing Marner last season. However, he has good chemistry with John Tavares, and it would be hard to split them up.
As well, putting Nylander on the top line would hurt the depth of the Maple Leafs’ second line. But, if Knies has his way and Nylander is on Toronto’s top line, it would be one of the best top lines in all of hockey.
Nylander recorded 45 goals and 39 assists for 84 points in 82 games.
Knies Happy With Maple Leafs’ Offseason Moves
Despite losing Marner this offseason, Toronto has done a good job adding more talent to the group.
The Maple Leafs added the likes of Mattias Maccelli, Nic Roy, and Dakota Joshua to add more depth to the forward group. Knies believes all three will have an impact this season.
“It’ll be a bit different without Mitch, but the acquisitions we’ve made,” Knies said. “I don’t know what we’ll put together at the start of the season, but we have a lot of great players on our team. Any way that they (general manager Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube) do it, hopefully we find a way that works and gives us (long-term) success.”
Another offseason move was signing Knies to a six-year, $46.5 million extension. He’s been one of the top players for Toronto as he recorded 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 78 games.
The Maple Leafs are coming off winning the Atlantic Division.
Knies Eager for Maple Leafs Season to Start
After another playoff disappointment, Knies is looking to help the Maple Leafs get over the hump.
Knies will take on a bigger role this season with Marner gone, but he admits it will be different not playing with him this season.
“I’m looking forward to camp and thus get to enjoy these last two weeks off because we want to go as far as possible,” he said. “Without Mitch … it’s going to obviously be different. Definitely weird in the locker room not seeing him at first.”
Before he reports to the Maple Leafs’ training camp, Knies was invited to Team USA summer Olympic camp, which he’s excited about. Knies expects to learn a lot from that and help him be a better player this season.
“That is going to be a cool experience, just to meet a lot of those (Americans) to see what they do on and off the ice,” Knies said. “Pick each other’s brains. Hopefully, I get a strong start to the season and make that team.”
Toronto opens its NHL season on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Knies Reveals Intriguing Option to Replace Marner on Maple Leafs’ Top Line