Matthew Knies made his NHL debut the day after signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The University of Minnesota star signed with a three-year entry level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. Then, on Monday afternoon head coach Sheldon Keefe announced that Knies would be making his NHL debut in Monday night’s game against the Florida Panthers.

The addition of Knies to the lineup was unexpected since he has not had a chance to practice with the team and has not played since losing the final of the NCAA Frozen Four on Saturday.

However, an injury to Sam Lafferty that kept him out of practice on Sunday as well as the absence of Calle Jarnkrok created a space in Monday night’s roster.

Knies played on the third line alongside Noel Acciari and Alexander Kerfoot.

Knies scored 21 goals and made 20 assists in 38 games during his sophomore season with the Golden Gophers. He was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. The Leafs are excited to see what Knies can bring to their playoff push, especially with some of their key forwards suffering injuries.

The Leafs won the contest 2-1 in overtime, which potentially hurts the Panther’s chances of grasping a wildcard spot in the 2023 playoffs.