Brief Introduction of Matthew Knies
Matthew Michael Knies is a highly skilled American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his formidable size, offensive prowess, and strong two-way play, Knies has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young power forwards in the league. He was drafted 57th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning professional, he had a stellar collegiate career with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he was a standout player, earning numerous accolades. His immediate impact in the NHL, particularly during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, has solidified his position as a key player for the Maple Leafs and a rising star in the world of professional hockey.
Matthew Knies Overview
| Full Name | Matthew Michael Knies |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 2002 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 23 |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Forward |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Miroslav (Father), Michaela (Mother), Phillip (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Ella Huber |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10-15 million |
Early Life and Education of Matthew Knies
Matthew Knies was born on October 17, 2002, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Slovakian immigrants, Miroslav and Michaela Knies. His parents moved to the United States from Slovakia before he was born, and they instilled in him a strong connection to his heritage; Knies is fluent in Slovak, a language he often uses to communicate with his grandparents. Hockey was a significant part of the Knies household. His father, Miroslav, was an avid hockey fan and played the sport himself, becoming Matthew’s coach in his formative years. His older brother, Phillip, also pursued hockey, playing at the collegiate level for Miami University and Bentley University, further fueling Matthew’s passion for the game. Growing up in Arizona, Knies was a fan of the local NHL team, the Arizona Coyotes. He began his organized hockey journey with the Arizona Bobcats youth program before moving on to play for the Phoenix Junior Coyotes. His development in the Arizona youth hockey scene laid a strong foundation for his future success. For his higher education, Knies attended the University of Minnesota, where he was a student-athlete from 2021 to 2023, majoring in Business and Marketing Education while playing for the Golden Gophers.
Matthew Knies’s Career
Matthew Knies’s hockey career has been on a steep upward trajectory, marked by success at every level. After his time with the Phoenix Junior Coyotes, he progressed to the United States Hockey League (USHL), playing two full seasons with the Tri-City Storm. In his USHL tenure, he recorded an impressive 31 goals and 56 assists for 87 points in 90 regular-season games, showcasing the offensive talent that would define his career. His strong performance in the USHL led to him being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, 57th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Following the draft, Knies embarked on his collegiate career with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for the 2021-22 season. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, tallying 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 33 games. His outstanding debut season earned him a unanimous selection to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and a nomination as a finalist for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. In his sophomore season (2022-23), Knies elevated his game even further. Playing on a dominant top line with fellow prospects Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud, he scored 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points in 40 games. This exceptional performance earned him the title of Big Ten Player of the Year, and he was named a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in NCAA men’s ice hockey. He helped lead the Golden Gophers to the NCAA National Championship game, where they were ultimately defeated in overtime by Quinnipiac.
After the NCAA tournament, Knies decided to turn professional, signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 9, 2023. He made his NHL debut just a day later, on April 10, against the Florida Panthers. Knies played the final three games of the regular season before making his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. He quickly proved he belonged, recording a primary assist on John Tavares’s series-clinching overtime goal in Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, which marked the Maple Leafs’ first playoff series win since 2004. He scored his first career NHL goal in the second round against the Florida Panthers. In his first full professional season, Knies established himself as a key contributor for the Maple Leafs, often playing on the top lines. He achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick on December 16, 2023, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. On January 4, 2025, he recorded his first career NHL hat-trick against the Boston Bruins. Recognizing his immense potential and impact, the Maple Leafs signed Knies to a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension on July 1, 2025, securing his place as a cornerstone of the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Matthew Knies Personal Life & Family
Matthew Knies comes from a close-knit family with deep roots in Slovakia. His parents, Miroslav and Michaela Knies, immigrated to the United States, where his father works as an aerospace engineer and his mother is a doctor. His older brother, Phil, also played hockey, providing a source of inspiration and competition for Matthew. The family’s Slovakian heritage is a significant part of their identity, with Matthew being fluent in the language. In his personal life, Matthew Knies is in a relationship with Ella Huber. Huber is also a talented hockey player, having played for the University of Minnesota’s women’s hockey team and winning a gold medal with the U.S. Under-18 Team. The couple has been seen vacationing together in Europe, sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Recently, Huber was drafted by the Boston Fleet in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
Awards and Achievements of Matthew Knies
- USHL All-Rookie Team (2020)
- Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2022)
- Big Ten Second All-Star Team (2022)
- Big Ten Player of the Year (2023)
- Big Ten First All-Star Team (2023)
- NCAA (West) First All-American Team (2023)
- Hobey Baker Award Finalist (2023)
Matthew Knies Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Matthew Knies’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million. A significant portion of his wealth comes from his professional hockey career. He recently signed a lucrative six-year, $46.5 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which carries an average annual value of $7.75 million. This new contract, which begins in the 2025-26 season, will substantially increase his earnings. Prior to this, he was on a three-year entry-level contract. His income sources are primarily his NHL salary and signing bonuses, with potential for future endorsements and partnerships as his profile in the league continues to grow.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being early in his professional career, Matthew Knies is already building a significant legacy as a modern power forward who combines size, skill, and a strong work ethic. His rapid transition from college hockey to a key role on a major NHL team like the Toronto Maple Leafs has been impressive. He serves as an inspiration for young hockey players, particularly in non-traditional hockey markets like his home state of Arizona. His success, following in the footsteps of fellow Arizonan Auston Matthews, helps to grow the sport in the region. In the 2024-25 season, he joined an elite group of players, including Brady Tkachuk and Tom Wilson, as one of the only players to record over 150 hits and 25 goals, showcasing his unique blend of physicality and scoring touch. His commitment to a two-way game and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made him a fan favorite and a respected player among his peers. As he continues to develop, Knies is poised to be an influential player in the NHL for years to come.
Interesting Facts about Matthew Knies
- He is fluent in Slovak and uses the language to communicate with his grandparents.
- He wore number 89 at the University of Minnesota, the highest number ever worn by a Gopher hockey player at the time.
- Upon his arrival in Toronto to start his NHL career, he was hosted by team captain John Tavares at his home.
- He represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
- Growing up in Arizona, his favorite team was the Arizona Coyotes.
Controversies
To date, Matthew Knies has not been involved in any significant public controversies. He has maintained a professional and focused image both on and off the ice, earning a reputation as a dedicated athlete.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Approximately 6,000 followers
Final Words about Matthew Knies
Matthew Knies represents a bright future for the Toronto Maple Leafs and American hockey. His journey from the youth leagues of Arizona to becoming a top-line forward in the NHL is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the strong support system provided by his family. With a new long-term contract in hand, Knies is set to be a central figure in the Maple Leafs’ quest for a Stanley Cup. His unique combination of size, skill, and hockey intelligence makes him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to his team. As he continues to mature and refine his game, the expectation is that he will not only continue to be a top performer but also a leader for the Maple Leafs. The next chapter of the Matthew Knies biography is sure to be filled with more achievements and exciting moments on the ice.
