Matthew Knies says he wishes his time in Toronto could have lasted a little longer, but the Blue Jackets forward admits things happen.
“I wish I could have experienced my time there a little bit longer, but things happen,” Knies said, via Leafslatest.
“I was excited to get an opportunity here. A lot of young guys to play with, a good core and one of the best defensemen in the league.”
He added there will be no friends on the ice when he faces the Leafs for the first time, though he's looking forward to catching up with the guys.
He handled it the right way. No bitterness and no digs, just a player who wanted more time and got a new job instead.
It's like running into an ex at a wedding. You're polite, you catch up, and then you go out and dance like you never needed them.
Knies has 4 points on a $7,750,000 cap hit.
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Matthew Knies says there will be no friends on the ice against Maple Leafs
He already has a power-play goal and a game-winner for his new team.
He was traded just before the season started, according to Leafslatest.
Zachary Werenski leads the Columbus blue line with 6 assists and a +7 rating.
Damon Severson has 4 points from the back end as well.
Columbus is 3-4-0 overall but 3-2-0 at home.
Adam Fantilli made headlines earlier today, saying it would have been a nightmare keeping a player who didn't want to be there after Kirill Marchenko's trade request.
Marchenko now has 10 points with Toronto.
The Leafs are 4-4-2 after Monday's win over San Jose, with Auston Matthews leading the way at 16 points.
Toronto is also playing the back half of a back-to-back, and William Nylander has 13 points.
Who makes the bigger statement tonight, Knies or Marchenko?
Puck drop in Columbus is set for 7 p.m.
Knies kept it friendly at the podium. Once the puck drops, he made it clear the friendly part is over until the final horn.
Will Matthew Knies score against the Maple Leafs tonight?
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