Top 2023 Draft Prospect Snubbed of Major NCAA Honor

This might be one of the biggest award snubs we have ever seen.

The NCAA's Big-10 conference named Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Knies as Big-10 Player of the Year over University of Michigan F Adam Fantilli (2023).

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐧 (and the country tbh)@Matthew_Knies is your 2022-23 B1G Player of the Year! ⭐#PrideOnIce pic.twitter.com/AxSMdoUJVL— Minnesota Men's Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 14, 2023

No disrespect to Knies, that is not why we are here. The future Maple Leaf had a fine season and under normal circumstances would make a suitable recipient of this honor.

The 2022-23 season - however - was anything but ordinary. Draft-eligible pivot Adam Fantilli had a historic season and absolutely smashed Knies' points total.

Fantilli is having the 15th-best freshman season EVER and still has the Big-10 tournament and the NCAA tournament left to play.

The 2nd-ranked draft prospect in the upcoming draft (behind - guess who - Connor Bedard), Fantilli ranks 1st in scoring in the entire NCAA - as a freshman. Knies, a sophomore, ranks 3rd on his own line at the University of Minnesota behind Logan Cooley (ARI) and Jimmy Snuggerud (STL).

What more do I even have to say?

Matthew Knies took home B1G Ten Player of the Year honours over Adam Fantilli.

Fantilli: 27G, 60PTS in 32GP
Knies: 21G, 40PTS in 35GP

Hell, Knies was the 3rd most productive player... on his line.

I like him, but that's a bold choice.— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) March 14, 2023

MUST READ

40 minutes ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

3 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

6 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

8 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

9 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

11 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

12 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

MORE STORIES