Matthew Knies has made one thing clear as he looks ahead to the 2025-26 NHL season: It’s all business, even when facing old friends.
The Toronto Maple Leafs forward recently opened up in an interview about what games he’s looking forward to, and how he feels about facing former teammate Mitch Marner, now with the Vegas Golden Knights.
How Does Matthew Knies Handle Facing Former Teammate This Season?
When asked if any matchups stand out, Knies kept it grounded. “I did notice there are more back-to-backs than they’ve had in the last five years, which isn’t great,” Knies said.
Among those games, the ones against the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks stand out for him because of his close friends on those teams. The Buffalo Sabres is another game he’s circled, with friend Josh Doan recently traded there.
But naturally, the game against Vegas and Marner comes with a bit more emotion.
Despite Marner’s high-profile move to Vegas, Knies made it clear he’s not looking at it as a rivalry. “I love the guy,” he said on an episode of “Daily Faceoff’s Morning Cuppa Coffee.” “He did so much for me in his two years here… made me a better player and person.”
Knies admitted he hasn’t seen Marner this summer but is excited to say hi in person during the season.
“It’s just business as usual,” he added.
As for whether Marner remains in the team’s group chat, Knies wasn’t sure. “I don’t think anyone really texted in the group chat during the offseason,” he said. “I assume he’s probably not in it anymore and has a different one. I haven’t touched the team group chat in a while either.
“I’m not the biggest texter in there since I’m the young guy.”
It’s a grounded mindset, one that reflects a young player focused on development rather than drama.
Knies also touched on the day-to-day NHL lifestyle. When asked about the Maple Leafs’ iconic Adidas tracksuits, often seen on the road, he responded with gratitude. “I’m just so thankful that we get to wear something comfortable on the plane and to morning skates and practice,” he said. “It makes my life a lot easier that I can just wake up and put it on.”
Can Knies Help Toronto Win a Stanley Cup During His New Contract?
Fresh off signing a six-year extension with Toronto, Knies isn’t just looking to keep up; he wants to win it all.
He shared that he wasn’t too stressed about it getting done and had confidence it would all work out. “It’s a relief that it’s done,” he said. “I can settle down and be part of this franchise for another six years and hopefully be a part of a group that can bring the Stanley Cup home.”
That ambition comes at a critical time for the Leafs. With Marner’s departure and his recent appearance in Golden Knights gear stirring online reactions, the spotlight now turns to younger stars like Knies to fill that offensive void.
