Toronto Maple Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews took the ice for the club's optional morning skate on Saturday. But when will he return to game action? Toronto Maple Leafs head coach says Matthew Knies is still being evaluated following an upper-body injury sustained on Wednesday. "(He's actually feeling okay today, which ius good news," Berube said on Thursday as the club held a skills session at Ford Performance Centre on Wednesday. Knies sustained an upper-body injury during the second period of the Maple Leafs' 3-0 win against Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, forcing him to leave the contest midway through the second period. The injury occurred after Knies was hit by Vegas defenseman Zach Whitecloud. Following the collision. He did not return for the remainder of the game. There is no was no timeline, given on Knies. The incident sparked tensions between the two teams, leading to a physical altercation. Toronto's Simon Benoit received a double minor for roughing, while Whitecloud was assessed a minor penalty for the same infraction. After the game, the Maple Leafs voiced their concern for Knies' condition. Maple Leafs goaltender expressed frustration over the situation, stating, "I was pretty pissed after it." Knies hit the back of his head against the ice. In May 2023, he suffered a concussion during a playoff series against the Florida Panthers when Sam Bennett dragged him down tot he ice, which sidelined him for several for the remainder of the playoffs. Knies has eight goals and four assists in 20 games with the Leafs this season. He's play has broken out playing alongside top-line talent, contributing significantly to the team's offensive depth. "He's been very important," Berube said of Knies. "You look at his play and what he brings to our team, all situational guy, PK, power play, his size and his skating and strength on the puck and all those types of things are important for our team." Knies' absence came at a time when the Leafs were already without forwards Auston Matthews (upper body), Max Domi (lower-body), David Kampf (lower body), Max Pacioretty (lower body). The Leafs also don't have Ryan Reaves available as the player has four games left to serve in his suspension for his illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
