Maple Leafs ahead Matthew Knies talked about coping with Toronto’s powerful media consideration on Monday. The subject got here up after Mitch Marner, Knies’ former linemate, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. The state of affairs had gotten so tense that his handle was leaked on-line. His commerce confirmed how troublesome the Toronto market could be for star gamers.
Talking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Knies talked about Toronto’s media strain.
“I imply, a bit of little bit of all of that, to be sincere,” Knies mentioned. [1:54:19 onwards] “Like, it is, I believe numerous the burden was taken off my shoulders by these guys (Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares).”
Knies shared that teammate John Tavares helped him deal with hockey as an alternative of out of doors opinions. Presently, he’s studying to handle it.
“However then, like, dwelling with Johnny (John Tavares), you notice, like, you do not bought to take heed to any of that stuff,” Knies mentioned. “You do not deal with that. You simply deal with the sport. , I do not assume he is ever throwing on …
“So it is like, you deal with simply hockey basically. You do not deal with what different persons are saying. And I believe that is sort of what I bought from Johnny, too, is simply, you do not, you do not bought to fret about any of that stuff.”
This has helped him perceive learn how to block out distractions.
Matthew Knies additionally talked about that the media strain in Toronto could be very totally different in comparison with different cities. So, he tries to not fear about what’s written or mentioned about him.
“So it does not matter what they are saying, , simply play your sport,” Knies mentioned. “And whenever you’re within the media, simply, , communicate your reality. And , you do not have to say what they wish to hear. You simply say what you assume.”
The Maple Leafs will start a brand new season after shedding to the Florida Panthers within the 2025 second-round playoff collection. Knies is anticipated to take a much bigger function this 12 months alongside captain Auston Matthews.
However regardless of the strain, Knies mentioned he tries to remain grounded and luxuriate in enjoying hockey.
“Simply know that. , there all the time comes one other day and also you gotta work your tail off they usually’ll be completely satisfied.” Knies mentioned.
Treliving’s feedback on Matthew Knies’ potential
In early July, Matthew Knies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, price $7.75 million per 12 months. Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving mentioned Knies is simply beginning to present his full potential and is dedicated to Toronto.
“We expect Matthew is simply scratching the floor by way of what he’s able to,” Treliving mentioned, through NHL.com. “And definitely, he was very dedicated from the outset to be right here and needed to be right here,”
Chosen in 2021, Matthew knies has 94 factors in 161 regular-season video games. The 22-year-old ahead scored 29 targets, 29 assists, for 58 factors final season. Later, he added seven factors in 13 playoff video games.
Edited by Ankit Kumar