Maple Leafs’ Quick Hits: Engvall, Knies & Gaudette

This past season, Engvall averaged 13:17 playing well on the shutdown third line centered by David Kampf. He’ll likely play in that same spot, but the other winger on that line will be new. Ilya Mikheyev, who became a UFA this offseason, signed with the Vancouver Canucks. His new linemate will likely be Calle Jarnkrok.

By signing the contract, Engvall and the Maple Leafs avoided an arbitration hearing, which is probably a good thing for both sides to avoid.

Quick Hit Two: Knies Wants to Mature Game Before Joining the Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies already has a plan for his future. He’s planning to play another season at the University of Minnesota; then, when his sophomore season is over, he wants to become a member of the Maple Leafs’ roster to finish out the 2022-23 season. 

Earlier, Knies had decided to go back to the University of Minnesota for one last season. Currently, he’s taking part in the Maple Leafs’ development camp before he moves on to represent the United States at the World Junior Championship in August.

Knies believes he still has some growing to do in his game. In an interview, he noted that “Hopefully I can join them at the end of the season. Once I’ve matured myself as a player, I think that’s when I can make the step and kind of give the Leafs a boost and try to make them a better team.”

Quick Hit Three: Adam Gaudette Overcomes Stomach Issues to Sign with Maple Leafs

A few seasons ago, when I was covering both the Vancouver Canucks and the Maple Leafs, I got to know Adam Gaudette as a player. I liked what I saw. In between then and now, his game took a step backward – mostly, it seems, because of a stomach issue (candidiasis) he suffered. That issue is now, according to Gaudette, under control and no longer makes it hard for him to play at 100 percent. 

Gaudette described the symptoms of the malady. “I couldn’t eat after training or a game for a couple of hours. My muscles would deteriorate. And I was just not able to repair my body and to recover from the strain that I put on it.” 

Gaudette overcame the issue by drastically “revamping” his diet. As a result, his stomach problems have “cleared up.” He was able to both maintain his weight last season and add muscle during training. He now has more energy and has been able to function during the day without being tired.

Obviously, Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas is convinced Gaudette’s game is back on track. Dubas saw Gaudette play with Team USA during the recent world championships; and, when Gaudette became a free agent, he signed him quickly.

Gaudette noted that, after his illness, he felt he just needed an opportunity. He was both excited and pleased to be able to get that opportunity in Toronto.