In Toronto, few departures sting as much as this one. Mitch Marner’s trade to the Vegas Golden Knights sent shockwaves through the Toronto Maple Leafs fanbase. But for those who knew him best inside the locker room, the loss cuts even deeper, and Matthew Knies didn’t hold back when asked how it felt to see his linemate leave.
Matthew Knies Candidly Reflects on Losing Mitch Marner to Vegas
The Leafs traded Marner to the Golden Knights in a massive sign-and-trade deal worth $96 million over eight years, securing center Nicolas Roy and additional cap flexibility. The move, although financially strategic, dismantled Toronto’s top line, one that helped Matthew Knies hit a career-high 29 goals last season.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Knies expressed his thoughts on Marner’s tenure in Toronto and the Vegas move.
“It’s sad to see him go. He’s an incredible player, incredible person. Yeah, I wasn’t excited to see that at all. Getting to play with him for the past two years, it’s been incredible, and getting to learn from him, I can’t thank him enough for what he did,” Kies said.
Knies on Marner: “It’s sad to see him go. He’s an incredible player, incredible person. Yeah, I wasn’t excited to see that at all. Getting to play with him for the past two years, it’s been incredible, & getting to learn from him, I can’t thank him enough for what he did …”
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 1, 2025
Knies was Marner’s linemate, mentee, and a breakout star because of that chemistry. Losing a veteran presence and elite passer like Marner just as Knies inked his six-year, $46.5 million deal naturally stirred emotions. Yet, Knies also made clear that Toronto isn’t rolling over.
Toronto Turns the Page with Confidence
The Leafs acquired Michael Pezzetta and Matias Maccelli in related offseason moves, while still retaining the firepower of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander. Knies will now assume more responsibility on the wing, and head coach Craig Berube is expected to lean on him heavily in a north-south, physically aggressive system.
“I think we saw some huge pieces coming back, and obviously some great players still there, so I’m excited for this year. I think we’re gonna have a good group,” Knies added in his remarks.
SIX MORE YEARS OF MATTHEW KNIES! 🔹 pic.twitter.com/bnJsk52zNn
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 1, 2025
The Leafs’ offseason blueprint appears to prioritize structural balance over star retention, and Knies is quickly emerging as one of the faces of that evolution.
“Mitch taught me a lot. But that’s the business of the game,” Knies continued. “We’ve made great moves, some great additions, and I think we’ll be stronger as a team. I have faith in [GM Brad] Treliving and Craig to create a winning team”.
While Marner departs with class, posting a heartfelt thank-you to Toronto fans on Instagram, Knies is now one of the players tasked with making sure his absence isn’t Toronto’s undoing.
Toronto opens its 2025-26 campaign with elevated expectations and a redesigned forward core. And for Knies, that means moving from apprentice to anchor, a shift he seems ready for, even if Marner’s exit still feels personal.
