Matthew Knies determined to beat ex-Leafs teammate Mitch Marner after departure to Vegas, says 'I want to beat him'

Toronto Maple Leafs' forward Matthew Knies is excited to lock horns against former Leafs teammate Mitch Marner after his move to Vegas.

Marner was traded to the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade, agreeing to an eight-year, $96 million contract as a part of the move. In exchange, the Maple Leafs acquired Nicholas Roy.

In a conversation with Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast, Knies acknowledged his wish to dominate Marner, but stressed that this is not a personal rivalry.

"I don't know if it's going to be a rivalry. I love the guy. He did a lot for me in his two years here, and he made me so comfortable, made me a better player, a better person," Matthew Knies said.

Although, the young forward made it very clear that he wants to play better against his former teammate.

However, the two are no longer teammates, but Knies expressed a wish to reconnect with Marner off the ice during the offseason.

"I think maybe off the ice it'll be nice to just chat with him and get to say hi. I haven't seen him in quite a bit with the summer now," Knies said.

“So, and obviously that we're not going to be on the same team during the year. So, just getting to chat with him for a little bit would be cool."

Matthew Knies opens up on signing contract extension with the Leafs

Earlier this month, Matthew Knies signed a six year contract extension, worth $46.5 million with the Maple Leafs. Knies expressed his happiness about the deal, describing it as a "relieving" feeling to have the contract settled.

“I mean it is relieving that it's done and that I can really settle down and be a part of this franchise for six more years and just really create something you know special there and hopefully, be a part of a group that can bring a Stanley the Cup home." Knies said.

Knies said that he did not think much about the contract deal, thinking they would be handled during the offseason.

Although he has started planning about his summer training and stepping off the ice, he started to seriously consider the opportunity and involved in discussions to find a term and number that worked for both him and the team.