Gophers’ Faber signs with Wild; Knies signs with Maple Leafs

Gophers defenseman Brock Faber will forego his senior season after signing a three-year, entry level contract with the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Matthew Knies leaves the University of Minnesota after his sophomore season. He signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Faber, a Maple Grove native, was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons with the Gophers and served as the Maroon & Gold’s captain. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round in 2020, Faber’s rights were traded to the Wild last summer. Faber will join the Wild in Chicago on Monday where they play the Blackhawks.

Knies, a Phoenix native, was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award this season after compiling 21 goals and 21 assists. Knies was a second-round pick in the 2021 draft.

The Gophers fell 3-2 in overtime to Quinnipiac Saturday night in the NCAA Frozen Four National Championship game.