Toronto Maple Leafs select forward Matthew Knies in second round of NHL entry draft

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs have finally made their first selection of this year’s NHL entry draft, choosing forward Matthew Knies with the 57th overall pick on Saturday. 

Knies, a six-foot-two, 210-pound left-winger, spent last season with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL, putting up 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 44 games. 

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., he came into the draft as the No. 37-ranked North American skater and has committed to playing at the University of Minnesota in the fall. 

Toronto dealt its first-round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in April in exchange for forward Nick Foligno.