Toronto Maple Leafs Officially Sign Vaunted Prospect

On the heels of a heartbreaking overtime loss in the Frozen Four Final, Matthew Knies has something to celebrate today, at least, as he's officially signed his entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Matthew Knies has signed his contract with the @MapleLeafs. Toronto will register the contract today.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 9, 2023

The reported AAV of the deal will be $925,000. 

The second-round pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, who many have said will eventually be the steal of the draft, will join the Leafs in time for the end of the season. Whether he's inserted into a playoff lineup remains to be seen. 

The 6'3", 210-pounder is a big body with elite skills.

Matthew Knies is a Toronto Maple Leaf pic.twitter.com/N2vOj2SCcI

— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) April 9, 2023

One report has Knies already flying from Minnesota down to Florida. The Leafs play the Florida Panthers Monday and the Tampa Bay Lightning, in a first-round preview, on Tuesday.

Auston Matthews on Matthew Knies:

“Been a pretty big prospect for us for a couple years now so it will be fun to see what he’s all about … It’s going to be fun to get to know him a little bit better & see him in this atmosphere” https://t.co/ddnNxFgG3l

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 9, 2023

Maple Leafs' resident superstar Auston Matthews, for one, is excited to see what Knies brings to the team.

“Been a pretty big prospect for us for a couple years now so it will be fun to see what he’s all about … It’s going to be fun to get to know him a little bit better & see him in this atmosphere," said Matthews.

And what an atmosphere in which to get indoctrinated into the NHL. The playoffs await. 

Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports