The upcoming clashes between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights promise to be more than just another pair of regular season games.

With Mitch Marner now donning Vegas colors after a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal, all eyes are on his first showdown against his former teammate, Matthew Knies.

The anticipation is palpable, as Knies prepares to step into a bigger role with the Leafs while facing off against a player who helped shape his early NHL career.

Their reunion will add a personal edge to an already high-stakes matchup, with Knies openly expressing his desire to outplay Marner on the ice—even as he remains grateful for their friendship off it.

With both players settling into new chapters and new contracts, the stage is set for an electrifying, emotionally charged series that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

As the hockey world watches, the question remains: will this friendly rivalry ignite something even bigger between two of the league’s most compelling teams?

Toronto Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies left and Vegas Golden Knights' Mitch Marner right

Photo credit: Hockey Unplugged

Leafs’ Matthew Knies was asked about his thoughts when he will face Golden Knights’ Mitch Marner for the first time, and he said he really wants to beat him.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ series with the Vegas Golden Knights is going to be an exciting one for Matthew Knies, as he will be matched up with former teammate Mitch Marner for the first time since Marner was shipped to Vegas in a sign-and-trade.

Mitch Marner was sent to Vegas and signed an eight-year, $96 million deal. Toronto received center Nicolas Roy in return for him. Toronto plays in Vegas on January 15, and then Vegas arrives in Toronto for a rematch on January 23.

Matthew Knies was a guest on the ‘Morning Cuppa Hockey’ podcast and revealed he’s eagerly awaiting to play against Marner, citing he’s going to play better than the former Leaf, and really wants to beat him.

“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, and he made me so comfortable, made me a better player, a better person,” Matthew Knies said. (47:50 onwards)

“Obviously I want to beat him, but I think it’s just business as usual,” Matthew Knies explained.

“So, and obviously that we’re not going to be on the same team during the year. So, just getting to chat with him for a little bit would be cool.”

You can watch the full video by clicking here

Knies would still like to hang out with Marner this summer

Even with in-game competition, though, Knies did reveal he hopes he can get back in touch with Marner off the ice this summer.

Knies made headlines in recent days’ news after he signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension. When no progress was being made in contract talks, Knies took a more active role, engaging in bargaining conversations.

With his Toronto future in place and the next chapter in the Marner series is set to begin, Knies is prepared to take on a larger role and eagerly awaits the new pressures.