Matthew Knies is having a rough go at it this season, and Craig Berube just had a private one-on-one meeting with him to try and get his production going. Mathew Knies came on like a house afire with 12 points in his first 20 games <a href='https://www.tsn.ca/video/he-s-got-to-get-reckless-again-berube-working-to-help-knies-break-out-of-scoring-slump~3054381' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>but has faded lately</a>. He recorded only one goal and four points in the past 13 games, at times appearing almost invisible on the ice. The defensive gaffes don't help either, as it leaves one wondering whether he plays scared so as not to get reinjured or if it's mental. Head coach Craig Berube has taken notice and is stepping in to offer the young power forward both guidance and encouragement. In the Toronto Maple Leafs' quest to re-ignite their offense, they will need to zero in on Matthew Knies. «Today, we showed him a lot of video, and he went over it with us. He's just got to get more involved. For me, it's about being a little more reckless. That's how he played before. He's a big-bodied guy, skates extremely well, and plays a heavy game. He needs to bring that recklessness back into his game, get more involved, and focus on the forecheck. It's about constantly moving, getting to the net, and winning those battles. Before his injury, he was excellent at that, but he just hasn't reached that level again.» - Craig Berube <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Leafslatest/status/1873848863800561775'> </a></blockquote></div> He was a force early in the season: scoring, hitting with authority, and playing with relentless energy. Now, he's hesitant, a shell of his former self. Standing 6'2 and 210 pounds, <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/matthew-knies-8482720' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Knies</a> has the size and speed to dominate. To realize his presence, he has to be comfortable with his physicality, pressure opponents, and be assertive in front of the net. When he's tentative, his production is limited and he severely reduces the effectiveness of this squad. Knies is also capable of playing the screen with his frame and blocking goalies to create scoring chances. His quickness makes him an ideal slot presence, and Toronto can unleash shots on target with him anchoring the play. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1785489749861433802'> </a></blockquote></div> With tons of potential and skill, Knies can be an important cog for the Leafs. Whether or not he follows Craig Berube's message to reignite his game remains to be seen, but the team needs him to find form again if they're going to reach their full potential.