Knies was injured during Toronto's 3-0 win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday as Berube updated the health of several players.
Matthew Knies will not be in the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs when they host the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday.
The forward was injured during the second period of the Maple Leafs' 3-0 win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday after a hit from Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud. Knies appeared to hit his head hard on the ice following the hit and did not return to the game.
"He's improving, which is good, it's good news," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube emphasized after the team’s practice on Friday.
Knies has recorded eight goals and four assists in 20 games this season. Berube declined to provide a specific timeline for his return.
"Not right now, it's upper body still," Berube said. "If he continues progressing, then he is a possibility down the road here soon."
To prepare for Knies' absence, the Leafs have placed Nick Robertson into the top-six forward group, where he will skate alongside Pontus Holmberg and William Nylander.
Toronto is currently dealing with the absence of seven regular forwards, including Auston Matthews (upper body), who was reportedly still in Germany as of Thursday night but is expected to return soon. Other injured forwards include Max Pacioretty (lower body), Calle Jarnkrok (upper body), David Kampf (lower body), and Max Domi (lower body).
All signs point to Matthews not being in the lineup as Leafs GM Brad Treliving alluded to earlier in the week.
Domi may return in time for Sunday's game.
"We've got to see, that's the best I can give you on him right now," Berube said.
Kampf, initially considered a possibility for Sunday, was later placed on long-term injured reserve, making him unavailable until at least Dec. 14.
"It was lingering a bit, but he played through it," Berube said of Kampf. "Other guys have played through things like Max (Domi) and Auston. They played through things, but it gets to a point where you’ve got to take time and heal."
Forward Ryan Reaves is also unavailable to the club as he continues to serve his five-game suspension for his illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Roster dance continues
The Leafs have a rare Saturday off from game action, allowing them time to evaluate Domi and other injured players. If Domi is eligible to come back, they'll have to make room for him on the 23-man roster as the club at the max. The likeliest of moves would be putting Knies on IR, forcing the player to miss seven days. That would rule him out until after Wednesday's game against the Florida Panthers.
