Knies Scores and Assists in Blue Jackets Debut
Three days after Toronto traded him, Matthew Knies scored a power-play goal in his Blue Jackets debut against Buffalo. He also assisted on Adam Fantilli's goal 46 seconds later, giving him two points in the first period. Columbus carried a 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
The trade that sent Knies to Columbus was completed Monday, just before the roster cutoff, and involved six players. Toronto acquired Kirill Marchenko, Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins; Columbus also received Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a conditional 2027 second-round selection. Knies, 23, is signed at $7.75 million annually and posted a career-best 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games for Toronto last season.
In his Blue Jackets opener against Buffalo, he scored at 17:58 of the first period, then helped set up Adam Fantilli 46 seconds later. Columbus led 3-1 at intermission. His next appearance is scheduled for Saturday, when Utah visits Nationwide Arena.
The immediate impact may be felt by Blue Jackets supporters, who could see increased excitement around the team after Knies’s fast start. His production might influence attendance, merchandise interest, and local media attention, while Toronto fans may debate the return in the trade. For fantasy hockey managers and analysts, his role in Columbus could change projections. Longer term, how the deal unfolds may shape perceptions of both franchises’ decision-making, though one game cannot determine that outcome.