Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies expressed unease about the NHL‘s 2025-26 schedule, particularly regarding the rise in back-to-back games, shortly after its announcement on July 16th. While the schedule has generated excitement among fans about upcoming matchups, Knies highlighted challenges posed by the increased frequency of consecutive games.
The Leaf fans had been eagerly awaiting the new schedule following the team’s exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and anticipation was especially high to see the team face key opponents like Mitch Marner’s squad and the Vegas Golden Knights. Yet for Knies, whose impressive 58-point season in 2024-25 established him as a pivotal player, the packed calendar raised some concerns about player well-being and game quality.
Back-to-Back Matches Draw Player Concerns Over Fatigue and Preparation
Matthew Knies shared his perspective during an interview on the podcast ‘The Morning Cuppa Hockey‘ with host Jonny Lazarus. Despite his enthusiasm for the season ahead, Knies flagged a notable increase in back-to-back games compared to previous years as a significant downside.
Knies explained,
I don’t know. Like, since it’s only, you know, going to be my third season, like, I can’t even tell if the schedule’s, like, if it’s a great schedule.
He added that he typically relies on veteran teammates to identify important dates throughout the season. More pointedly, he expressed concern that the schedule includes far more back-to-back games than seen in the past five years, adding,
I think I saw that there’s more back-to-backs than they’ve had in the past five years, which isn’t, you know, something I want to hear.
This observation reflects wider criticism from players and analysts who argue that such tight scheduling reduces recovery time and affects players’ performance levels, potentially diminishing the quality of matchups and media interactions like press conferences.
Knies Looks Forward to Personal Connections During Away Games
Beyond the competitive aspects, Knies revealed that his favorite dates this season are linked to visits to cities where close friends and former teammates reside. He specifically mentioned St. Louis and Anaheim, saying,
So, um, yeah, I’m just really close with those guys. So, every time I get to go see those guys, it’s always fun, and I get to play with them.
Knies also highlighted the upcoming games against the Buffalo Sabres, noting his friend Josh Doan‘s recent trade there. He commented,
So, um, he’ll be close to me, and now, yeah, I mean I think those are usually the dates I have circled.
Meanwhile, Knies expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of competing against Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights, underlining the blend of personal and professional excitement fueling his season outlook.
Implications of the NBA’s New Scheduling Challenges
The Maple Leafs’ congested schedule and particularly the increase of back-to-back games suggest ongoing challenges for NHL teams balancing player health, fan engagement, and broadcast demands. Knies’ candid reflections underscore the potential impact on player stamina and overall game intensity throughout the season. How the team and league manage these scheduling pressures could influence performance dynamics and playoff readiness in the months ahead.
With the regular season looming, Knies and his teammates will need to adapt quickly to this demanding schedule, while fans watch closely to see if the excitement over key matchups outweighs concerns around player fatigue.