Matthew Knies enters 2026-27 under closer scrutiny from new coaching staff

# Current snapshot

# What the coaching staff sees Hiller called Knies' most recent preseason game a mixed bag: responsible, active in the plays coaches like, but not dangerous enough offensively. The coach noted Knies finished with limited shots on goal and said, "there's more there for sure." Video review before a practice showed Knies featured in many of the positive clips — skating back, lifting sticks and winning puck battles — and Hiller told him to build on those details.

# How Knies needs to change his game Knies' physical profile — 6-foot-3, 230 pounds — and his "sneaky" release give him tools to be a consistent scorer and a net-front presence. The coaching staff wants him to:

• Drive to the net when he has the puck and take advantage of grade-A and B scoring chances by shooting more.
• Use his length and strength to win 50-50 battles and retrieve pucks on the forecheck.
• Find dangerous open ice in the offensive zone rather than focusing solely on facilitating for Matthews and Roslovic.
• Maintain the defensive play that has taken strides and pursue consistent three-zone contributions each shift.

Knies himself described his best hockey as "north-south, playing simple, playing hard," and said he is working to get his feet under him and regain midseason form.

# Role, expectations and roster pressure Hiller's messaging is direct: Knies will be expected to forecheck hard, retrieve pucks and create scoring opportunities while remaining defensively responsible. Knies is not on the top power-play unit to start, which he has acknowledged he's unhappy about. That demotion increases the urgency for strong five-on-five play and early-season production.

Internal competition is a real factor. Easton Cowan has impressed in camp as a relentless puck hound and could be the first player to get a look if Knies struggles. Gavin McKenna and Nick Paul are additional options up front. The coaching staff appears willing to reward who plays with consistent detail and results.

# What success looks like this season Success for Knies will be a balance: contribute offensively by finishing chances and shooting more often, while preserving and building on his defensive improvements. Hiller pointed to the types of plays that sometimes get rewarded on the scoresheet and other times don't — Knies must deliver both the visible results and the underlying detail work that the staff values.

# Short-term timeline The preseason sample is small, so Knies has a short runway at the start of the regular season to show the adjustments Hiller seeks. Early solid games, a few points, and clear defensive attention to detail will protect his top-line role. If not, coaches will explore internal options.

# Bottom line Knies begins the season with a clean slate under a new coaching staff that likes what it saw in his defensive game but wants more offensive assertiveness. His combination of size, skating and release gives him a clear blueprint to become a more consistent producer — but he must execute those adjustments quickly given the roster competition.