Matthew Knies is showing off his strength during his sophomore season with the Leafs.

"He's just a horse," said defenceman Simon Benoit. "Like, he's so strong. I don't think he knows it, but he's so f---king strong ... He's still figuring out his game. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, but I think he's doing a great job this year and he's just showing it right now."

Knies scored twice and added an assist on Monday in a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The top-line winger will look to keep rolling on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Knies is Toronto's heaviest forward at 227 pounds. He's also one of the tallest at 6-foot-3. More and more, Knies is figuring out how to use that big frame to his advantage and open up space for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

"It seems like he wins almost every single wall battle," observed winger Steven Lorentz, who leads the Leafs in hits. "His body positioning and how he sticks his body into guys, he gains that edge before the battle even happens and then he comes out on top. It's impressive to see for a guy who's only 22 years old. It's fun to watch because you know when Kniesy's going into a corner he's a big bowling ball."

And Knies isn't afraid to go to the net once he gets the puck.

"You take some of the top-end skill in the league and then you put it in that frame, it's tough," said defenceman Conor Timmins. "He can go through you; he can go around you."

Knies is up to 18 goals and 13 assists through 46 games. The exciting thing for the Leafs is that the University of Minnesota product has plenty of room to grow.

"He'll grow," said coach Craig Berube. "The growth will probably come with a little bit of playmaking over time and trying to find different ways to score goals. He does have a very good shot, so he probably has the ability to score from distance at some point.

Those are things that I think over time he'll work on. That just doesn't come naturally for everybody."

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The Blue Jackets will lean on defenceman Zach Werenski when it comes to trying to slow down Toronto's top line.

"He's been a rock back there for us every single night," said centre Adam Fantilli. "It's a Norris-type season."

Werenski, who will play with Matthews on Team USA at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, logs more minutes than anyone else in the NHL. He is averaging 26 minutes and 49 seconds of ice time.

"It's unbelievable," said forward Kent Johnson. "I've never seen anything like it. He definitely, right now, deserves the Norris. He's been our MVP by far. It's special to see every night and get to play with.........

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