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Blue Jackets’ Matthew Knies Dominates in Columbus Debut

When the Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs a few days ago, most of the talk centered around how Knies is a stronger asset in the long-term, which Kirill Marchenko is more valuable now. Knies…

By William Espy · Heavy

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 4:40 AM

Key Things to Know

Matthew Knies scored two goals and had an assist in his Columbus Blue Jackets debut against Buffalo.
Knies gave Columbus a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal and later deflected an Emil Andrae shot.
Sean Monahan also scored a third-period power-play goal for the Blue Jackets against Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Matthew Knies impressed in his debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 1, 2026, scoring two goals and adding an assist against the Buffalo Sabres. Acquired recently from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 23-year-old forward scored his first goal off a pass from Charlie Coyle and added a deflection goal off a shot from Emil Andrae.

William Espy writes that Knies brings the physical and gritty scoring identity that General Manager Don Waddell and head coach Rick Bowness are building. Espy notes that Knies's long-term contract without trade protection provides significant stability for Columbus following the trade involving Kirill Marchenko.

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Blue Jackets’ Matthew Knies Dominates in Columbus Debut

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