Penguins executive reveals team nearly drafted Matthew Knies in 2021
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Former Pittsburgh Penguins executive Brian Burke disclosed that the team almost selected Matthew Knies with the 58th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Just before the Penguins' turn, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Knies, who has since emerged as a prominent player. Knies, now with the Columbus Blue Jackets, has recorded four points in his first two games this season. Meanwhile, the Penguins opted for Tristan Broz, who has played in the AHL and made his NHL debut last season. The decisions surrounding the draft continue to reflect on the current dynamics within the league as Knies thrives in his new environment.
- •Brian Burke confirms Penguins nearly picked Matthew Knies in 2021 NHL Draft.
- •Toronto selected Knies just before Pittsburgh's turn.
- •Knies scored four points in his first two games with Blue Jackets.
- •Penguins chose Tristan Broz instead, who has played in the AHL.
- •Knies' success adds intensity to divisional matchups.
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Former Penguins Executive Says They Nearly Drafted Matthew Knies
"As the Pittsburgh Penguins were preparing to be called to make the 58th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, they were getting ready to call out a name that would quickly make an impact in the NHL: Matthew Knies. The only problem was, one pick before the Penguins were on the clock, the Toronto […] The post Former Penguins Executive Says They Nearly Drafted Matthew Knies appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
AHL•Oct 5, 2026, 2:04 AMCapitals Lose $34.5 Million Veteran In Loss To Bolts
AHL•Oct 3, 2026, 9:19 AMSeamus Casey’s Injury Hurts The Devils In Multiple Ways
AHL•Oct 3, 2026, 3:00 AMOvercoming tired legs among key Rangers takeaways in 2-0 win over Red Wings
HockeyAHL•Sep 30, 2026, 12:31 AMJudd Caulfield among UND alums on opening-night NHL rosters
AHL•Sep 28, 2026, 4:27 AMRémi Poirier Is Another Sneaky Add In An Offseason Filled With Them For The Devils
AHL•Sep 25, 2026, 7:37 PM‘Sky’s the limit’ for Greentree, Beaudoin as Rangers send them to minors