‘He’s A Very Important Piece': Maple Leafs Still Awaiting An Update On Matthew Knies After Apparent Injury In Game 6

Matthew Knies, who has emerged as a key piece during Toronto’s current playoff run, remains questionable after finishing Game 6 while playing through an undisclosed injury, head coach Craig Berube told reporters on Saturday.

With no update, the bench boss offered little clarity regarding Knies’ status moving forward.

“I haven't seen him today, so I mean, I don't have an update for you right now,” he said. “I will today, though, at some point, for sure. How he's doing, and how we've got to proceed going forward here with him.”

The 22-year-old winger was hurt late in the first period Friday night in Florida following an awkward collision with Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola on the forecheck. As Mikkola backed into Knies unexpectedly, the contact appeared to be made along Knies’ left side. Cameras then caught the forward on the bench appearing to say, “I can’t even move it.”

Knies did not return for the final shift of the period, and although he remained in the game, his usage was limited. He logged just 13:01 of ice time, which was down from his usual workload. The power forward registered one hit, one shot on goal, and was on the ice for Auston Matthews’ eventual game-winner in the third period.

Despite being clearly in some discomfort, Knies’ teammates praised his willingness to gut it out and help push the Leafs to a Game 7.

“He's a big body, he plays hard and compliments those two guys really well (Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner). So, yeah, haven't talked to him or seen him this morning, but finished the game and looked pretty good and did a good job. So we'll see what happens,” said teammate Scott Laughton.

Knies has been more than just a complementary piece during this postseason, despite playing in just his second full NHL season.

With five goals and seven points in 12 games, he’s become a big contributor on Toronto’s top line and the top power-play unit, delivering timely offense and relentless physicality. His net-front presence and willingness to battle have made him a difference-maker in tight playoff games throughout the first two rounds.

The Leafs have leaned heavily on Knies throughout the postseason, and his absence, should he be unable to play, would leave a noticeable void in their lineup.

“He touches every part of the game, that's for sure, and scored some big goals for us,” Berube explained. “He's been a very good player in the playoffs here throughout the season. Putting in big goals for us around the net, being that net-front presence, being physical, penalty killing. He's a very important piece.”

“I think he's growing every day. He shows that every single shift that he's out there. He's hard to play against. He's making plays. He's a big part of this group. We're lucky to have him,” added defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Toronto will look to punch its ticket to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2002. Whether Knies will be part of that effort remains to be seen. However, as Berube mentioned, the club will continue to evaluate the forward on Saturday and pre-game on Sunday to determine his status for the rubber match.