$47 Million Maple Leafs star faces a harsh reality amid worrisome scoring slump
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies has been struggling throughout the month of December, and it has been made clear that something is wrong with his play.
Matthew Knies signed a hefty $46.5 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs during the summer, and for many fans, this was money well spent.
Knies is a phenomenal power forward with lots of potential. He was a stud on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner last season, and in 2025-26, he remains in the top six.
Despite a hot start to the season, averaging more than a point per game, Knies has largely struggled throughout the month of December.
He now has 30 points 33 games, and failed to register a single shot in yesterday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which is a real problem.
Matthew Knies has not scored since December 4th
The forward has not scored since December 4th against the Carolina Hurricanes. Furthermore, he has one shot on goal in the last four games.
Simply put, that is not going to get it done for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They need to start scoring some wins here, and Knies's lack of offense isn't helping.
Having said that, a lot of his troubles can also be attributed to Auston Matthews, who has also largely struggled to generate offense over the last month or so.
What's next for Matthew Knies?
So what can the Maple Leafs do here? Well, it might be time to consider a demotion for Knies. Perhaps putting him on the second line away from Matthews could help.
A second line of Matthew Knies, John Tavares, and William Nylander could be the recipe for success that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been yearning for.
Perhaps the Christmas break will serve as the perfect time for Knies to take a step back and get himself back to the player we know he can be. This team's success is counting on it.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 24 | 567 ANSWERS $47 Million Maple Leafs star faces a harsh reality amid worrisome scoring slump Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need to demote Matthew Knies? | ||
| YES | 207 | 36.5 % |
| NO | 360 | 63.5 % |
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