Following the shocker of a trade that saw pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen get traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, could the same happen to Mitch Marner? EDMONTON — The Toronto Maple Leafs forward group will get a big boost to their lineup on Saturday as both forwards John Tavares and Matthew Knies will be in the lineup. "They're good to go tonight, so it'll be great having them back in the lineup," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed in his Saturday morning availability at Rogers Place. Tavares suffered a lower-body injury during Leafs practice two weeks ago. He was injured during a power-play drill when his skate got caught with defenseman Chris Tanev's, sending him awkwardly to the ice. He managed to get up under his own power but has missed six games since. Tavares' recovery has gone smoothly and took part in a full practice with the club on Friday. Berube noted that Tavares' progress has been quicker than expected. The 34-year-old center has 20 goals and 22 assists in 44 games this season. Knies confirmed his return to the lineup one day earlier when speaking to reporters following practice. He revealed he sustained a shoulder injury while battling along the boards with Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko. Both players will immediately step into the top six. Knies will skate with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the top line, while Tavares will center the second line with William Nylander and Max Pacioretty. "He's one of the most reliable centerman in the league and helps our team," Pacioretty said of Tavares. "It's no secret that probably the most important position on a team is down the middle so when you lose a guy like that it obviously stings. We know what he does for our team and looking forward to it." Knies has 18 goals and 13 assists in 47 games this season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
