Photo credit: Mark Masters/TSN

Matthew Knies got some fighting lessons from Ryan Reaves at Leafs practice on Thursday as he looks to add another skill to his repertoire.

Coming into training camp 10-pounds heavier than he was last season, Knies has gotten off to a very strong start on the Leafs’ top line and has left quite the impression on his teammates, reporters and fans across the league. At 6’3 and now 227 pounds, the 57th overall pick from the 2021 draft has drawn the fortunate assignment of riding shotgun to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

The 22-year-old had begun to really use his size and strength effectively during the Leafs’ first-round series against the Boston Bruins last season and was arguably the Leafs’ best player in the series not named Joseph Woll.

As fans hope the Leafs and Knies announce a new extension sooner than later, Knies may yet increase his value by adding another layer to his game.

Ahead of Thursday’s game against Seattle, the Leafs returned to practice on Wednesday, where Knies decided to pick Ryan Reaves’ brain and ask for some fighting tips from the 37-year-old. Following practice the two were asked about their conversation with Knies noting that it was his curiosity that made him ask Reaves for some advice.

 
“Just curious,” said Knies. “It’s cool how he stays calm & tries to be smart»
Reaves was happy to help out the 22-year-old, but believes he will be fine in any situation because of just how big he is.
“He’d be able to handle himself any time the situation came. He’s a brick, whatever, house (smile) I can’t say it on TV.”Knies has been dubbed a ‘unicorn’ by analysts across the league because of his unique combination of size and skill. Although he is still learning, the growth he has displayed from last season, to the playoffs, to the beginning of this season has been extraordinary and is why Leafs fans are begging Brad Treliving to hammer out an extension sooner than later, before Knies’ value skyrockets more than it already has.