As the dust settles on one of the most talked-about trades of the offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for a new era without Mitch Marner.

While fans and media continue to debate the impact of his departure, one voice has stood out among the silence from Marner’s former teammates: Matthew Knies.

In a candid interview, Knies opened up about his true feelings regarding Marner’s move to Vegas and the effect it’s had on both the locker room and his own journey with the Leafs.

With the highly anticipated reunion between Knies and Marner already circled on the calendar, the spotlight is now firmly on the young forward.

As Knies prepares to take on a bigger role in Toronto’s offense, his reflections on Marner’s influence and their enduring bond offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a team in transition.

For Knies, the challenge ahead is clear—rise to the occasion and help lead the Maple Leafs forward, all while keeping his respect and admiration for a former teammate close to heart.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was candid in his feelings towards Mitch Marner after his trade to Vegas, and how the entire situation unfolded, as revealed in an interview with the Morning Cuppa Hockey Podcast.

You would expect the reception that Mitch Marner is going to receive from fans upon his return is going to be less than stellar, and considering the flak he got as a member of the team, only one can imagine what reaction he’ll get as the opponent.

We would like to think that fans can let bygones be bygones however, with the passion and love they have for the team that’s going to be easier said than done.

Matthew Knies still has a place in his heart for Mitch Marner

His former teammates have been pretty quiet, beyond Ryan Reaves who has seemingly decided to go on a press tour this summer, though one had nothing but kindness towards Marner: Matthew Knies.

Speaking to the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast with Jonny Lazarus, Knies revealed his feelings regarding Marner’s departure and whether or not he thinks there’s any bad blood, to which the Leafs forward believes won’t be an issue:

“I don’t know if it’s going to be a rivalry.

I love the guy. He did a lot for me in his two years here. He made me so comfortable, made me a better player, better person. I don’t think it’s a rivalry.

You know, obviously, I want to beat him, but I think it’s just business as usual.

Knies will get the chance to face off against Marner when the Golden Knights come to town on January 23rd, a date that every Leafs fan has already circled on their 2025-26 calendar.

It’s something he’s looking forward to as well, considering the bond the two created:

I think maybe off the ice it’ll be nice to chat with him and get to say hi. I haven’t seen him in quite a bit with the summer now, and obviously we’re not going to be on the same team during the year.

Just getting to chat with him a little bit would be cool.

Matthew Knies ready to break out…again

Knies may not wanna chat for too long lest Marner try and persuade him to come to Vegas but it’s good to know that he doesn’t harbour any ill will to his old line-mate even though fans would hope he did.

Coming off a breakout season, the 22-year old had 58 points in 78 games for Toronto last season (29 goals, 29 assists) and has often been regarded as a unicorn for his unique blend of speed, scoring and physicality.

But with his recent comments regarding who he models his game after (Mikko Rantanen and Tom Wilson, not too shabby) then the sky’s the limit for Knies and the Maple Leafs.

It’s time for Matthew Knies to step into the spotlight and be a focal point of Toronto’s offense.

He’s going to try and replace Mitch Marner, and very well has the skill to. But it’s nothing personal, just business.