Change is in the air for the Toronto Maple Leafs as the team enters a new era, marked by the departure of one of its cornerstone stars, Mitch Marner.

With Marner now donning the Vegas Golden Knights jersey following a headline-grabbing sign-and-trade, all eyes turn to the dynamic young forward Matthew Knies.

The Maple Leafs’ offense, once anchored by the electric trio of Knies, Auston Matthews, and Marner, now faces a period of transition and opportunity.

In the wake of these seismic changes, Knies has stepped into the spotlight—not only as a key piece of Toronto’s future but also as a voice reflecting on the past and looking ahead.

As he opens up about Marner’s impact, the shifting team dynamics, and the whispers of a budding rivalry between Toronto and Vegas, Knies’s perspective offers fans an inside look at how relationships, competition, and professionalism intertwine at the highest level of hockey.

Toronto Maple Leafs trio of forwards in Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies celebrating a goal being scored.

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton – Imagn Images

Matthew Knies has opened up on Mitch Marner’s departure as well as the state of the perceived new Maple Leafs-Golden Knights rivalry brewing.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ offense in 2024-25 revolved around their star top line trio that was comprised of Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner.

With the latter having departed to Vegas in a summer sign-and-trade, it opens up a void in the offense that a player like Knies can use to his benefit.

The sophomore improved to the tune of 29 goals and 58 points in 79 games played this past season and credits a lot of his success to players like Marner.

Knies couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to play with Marner and for the relationship that they had as teammates, but understands that it’s a business and whenever they face-off against the Vegas Golden Knights, it’s just another game on the schedule.

“I love the guy. He did a lot for me in the 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.”

That’s not to say he’s going to snub his former teammate as he’s looking to continue the bond they had formed over the last few seasons. However, once the puck is dropped, it’s all business.

“I think maybe off the ice, it’ll be nice to chat with him and 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.”

At just 23-years-old, Knies is set to become one of the focal points on the Maple Leafs’ offense after signing a 6-year extension worth $46.5 million earlier this off-season. He’ll more than likely retain his spot alongside Matthews, but it remains to be seen who will round out the trio.