Leafs forward Matthew Knies is outplaying Mitch Marner, and we have the proof
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies came into this season with some pressure on his shoulders, although it's clear he is built for the moment.
Matthew Knies is someone that the Toronto Maple Leafs are banking on for the future. He was recently signed to a six-year deal with an AAV of $7.75 million, and he deserves every penny.
Last season, he had 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points. However, with Mitch Marner gone, the Leafs need Knies more than ever before.
On Wednesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Knies made his return to the lineup after missing about a week with an injury.
He made the most of this return with an assist on William Nylander's overtime goal. It was his 18th assist of the season, and 23rd point in 20 games.
Matthew Knies outplays Mitch Marner
Interestingly enough, Knies is outplaying Mitch Marner this season. Despite Marner being the veteran player who has participated in more games, he still has fewer points than Knies.
Of course, this is going to be a source of pride for Maple Leafs fans, who are trying to cling to any sort of narrative that they don't actually miss Marner that much.
At the end of the day, Knies still has lots of room to grow as a player, so it is encouraging to see this kind of production. Meanwhile, Marner is still learning the ropes in Las Vegas.
Mitch Marner stats after 23 games
Through the first 23 games of his Golden Knights tenure, Marner has come through with four goals and 18 assists for 22 points. He's not far behind Knies, but in terms of points per game, he is being outplayed.
Marner's production is a far cry from last season, when he had a total of 102 points. He had 75 assists, which was a truly sensational number.
Whether or not Marner is able to pick it up this year is still something that remains to be seen, and there are no guarantees.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 453 ANSWERS Leafs forward Matthew Knies is outplaying Mitch Marner, and we have the proof Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will get more out of Matthew Knies than they did out of Mitch Marner? | ||
| YES | 264 | 58.3 % |
| NO | 189 | 41.7 % |
| List of polls | ||