Toronto Maple Leafs have a new Core Four

"The Toronto Maple Leafs have a new "Core Four". After Mitch Marner left the Toronto Maple Leafs to join the Vegas Golden Knights, I hoped that I would never have to write the term "core four" but fortunately (or unfortunately however you look at it), there's a new four-pack tearing up the NHL. We knew that he was a great player last year but in four games thus far, Matthew Knies has elevated himself to be a fantastic replacement to Marner."

"Although he's on-pace for 123 points this year (6 points in 4 games...), I don't think there's a chance that Knies will come close to triple-digits but I do think it's possible that he can be a point-per-game player beside Matthews. After signing a monster extension, Knies knows that he's a key piece to the team's success and knows that he's going to be paired with Matthews every night, so that confidence should help his growth."

"Currently in his third full season, the 22-year-old forward is looking to improve upon his 29 goal and 58 point campaign last year and after four games, it looks like he's making another leap forward. The biggest thing that has been impressive in Knies' game in his playmaking ability. Throughout his career, he's never been one to put up monster assist numbers, but with five assists in four games, he's been showing an improvement in that side of his game."

Matthew Knies has quickly stepped into a prominent role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, producing six points in four games and showing elite offensive instincts. The 22-year-old is in his third full season and seeks to build on 29 goals and 58 points from last year. After signing a major contract extension, Knies is paired consistently with Auston Matthews and displays increased confidence and playmaking, recording five assists in four games. He made a notable high-IQ two-on-one play, returning the puck to Matthews for a goal, demonstrating composure and playmaking abilities reminiscent of Mitch Marner.

Read at Editor In Leaf