Thursday night’s preseason showdown between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings was anything but ordinary. The Leafs fired a staggering 41 shots, but ultimately fell short, leaving fans with more questions than answers as the regular season looms.

Amid the action, one player’s performance stood out for reasons that go far beyond the scoreboard. Matthew Knies, the young forward touted for his physical transformation and increased intensity, found himself at the center of a controversial moment that could have serious consequences.

With the regular season opener just days away, all eyes were on Auston Matthews, who notched another goal and wrapped up his preseason appearances.

But it was Knies’ aggressive play—and a particular incident involving Detroit’s Simon Edvinsson—that has suddenly put his future in jeopardy. As whispers of fines and suspensions circulate, fans are left wondering how this drama will impact the Leafs’ lineup and Knies’ role as a rising power forward.

Will the NHL come down hard on Knies, or will this serve as a wake-up call for the promising young star? The full story behind Knies’ controversial night and what it means for Toronto’s season is just beginning to unfold.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies

Photo credit: Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was all over the ice on Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings, but that intensity went a bit too far at one point.

Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Detroit Red Wings in a preseason game that saw Anthony Stolarz face 41 shots on goal.

The final score was 2-1, and it was clear that the Maple Leafs were not playing their best defensive hockey. Perhaps you can attribute this to the preseason, although there is no denying that fans are somewhat concerned.

Regardless, Matthew Knies had an assist in the game as he helped Auston Matthews get his second goal of the preseason.

Presumably, that will be Matthews’ last preseason game, even with the Leafs taking on the Red Wings on Saturday. Matthews made it clear he is only playing two games, which means he has fulfilled his quota.

Matthew Knies elbows Simon Edvinsson

As for Matthew Knies, the forward could be in some trouble with the NHL’s front office, as he delivered a pretty vicious elbow on Simon Edvinsson.

Below, you can see that Knies clipped Edvinsson in the head, which is a huge no-no in hockey these days. In fact, the forward could end up with a fine or a one-game suspension.

Knies bulked up this season with the goal of becoming a much more effective power forward. However, that does not mean running guys in the head.

Hopefully, the forward can learn this lesson going forward and focus on putting pucks in the net and getting the puck out of his own zone.

As for the Maple Leafs, they will begin their regular season on October 8th against the Montreal Canadiens.

Soon, we will officially know the team’s day one roster, and that is going to come with a whole lot of fanfare.