Matthew Knies' Fate Confirmed for Wednesday's Game Against the Minnesota Wild

It was an unfortunate turn of events for Toronto's Matthew Knies after colliding with a referee in last week's game against Columbus. It seemed innocent enough, but it led to Knies leaving the game and being absent ever since.

While it's unknown the extent of the injury, it's going to at least keep him out for Wednesday's game against Minnesota as he was seen skating in a grey non-contact jersey on Tuesday and did not participate in practice.

It was a fantastic bit of hockey last season when fans got to see Knies break out and become one of the team's most exciting and dependable players.

This season however, he's taken it to another gear.

With 18 goals and 13 assists this season, Knies was on pace for over 30 goals in his second true season; an incredible accomplishment for the 22-year old.

He's also been integral to Toronto's success this year, adding two game-winning goals and bringing the physicality with 109 hits.

The Leafs power forward was also injured earlier this season after getting hit by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud.

A true hybrid player, Knies is deceptively fast, built like a house, hits like a truck and plays solid defense even if he needs to improve a bit (but he's got lots of time).

His chemistry with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner was finally starting to get things together after the Leafs captain made his way back into the lineup, and though this injury derailed it; if anyone can come back from it, it's Knies.

The young forward is in the final year of his deal and is a restricted free agent at season's end, something Toronto needs to focus on and make sure they don't lose out to a massive offer sheet.