Matthew Knies is making a mark in Toronto, tallying 13 points in 27 games this season and showcasing his potential, overcoming a somewhat uneven start in the NHL. In his debut season, he's proving he belongs on the ice.
Lately, Knies has found his stride, notably achieving a Gordie Howe hat trick—scoring a goal, assisting, and engaging in a fight during last Saturday's game against the Penguins.
Nicknames are a common tradition in the NHL, often based on players' last names. Some are more unique, like Montreal's Arber Xhekaj, nicknamed "Wi-Fi" due to his last name resembling a Wi-Fi password.
In the recent Rangers vs. Leafs game, legendary Joe Bowen dubbed Knies "Knuckles" in reference to his fight, despite landing minimal punches.
"Knuckles" has a nice ring to it, cleverly playing on words with his name. Whether it truly suits Knies' style remains to be seen, perhaps contingent on whether he embraces more frequent fights in the future.