The Leafs are waiting on one decision before puck drop, and it could tilt the outcome
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Update (Jan 19, 7:17 PM): The Toronto Maple Leafs will seemingly have Matthew Knies back in he lineup as he took part in the warmup skate, although it is still not confirmed he's playing though signs are pointing to yes:
While it would be great to have him in the lineup, the Maple Leafs have to be careful not to overwork him and risk further injury.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, they are waiting on the status of Matthew Knies which could en up being a huge factor.
Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild head into the Scotiabank Arena as a team looking to build off a crucial OT win that snapped their three-game skid, meanwhile the Maple Leafs come back home after a tough albeit successful road trip.
Though they'll be without William Nylander for the next little bit, and Matthew Knies was absent at practice due to a lingering injury since before Christmas.
Knies was a game-time decision heading into Monday night and there's still no word on his status -- which could make or break Toronto's result tonight.
Why Matthew Knies' game status could turn the tides for Toronto
Given the team needs to set the pace, losing Knies hurts because he would be able to establish a physical asset while also giving the team a ton of help in front of the net; it's hard to replace a 6'3, 230+ pound freight train on the ice.
If the Wild start to push the pace more and get Quinn Hughes more actively involved, we know how dangerous he can really be; something Toronto can't afford right now.
With William Nylander already out, this is now two of Toronto's top level talents missing time and it'll be up to John Tavares and Auston Matthews to continue their output; especially the captain who has been on a tear recently.
Knies, 23, has 40 points in 45 games (12 goals, 28 assists) and showed much more playmaking ability than anyone expected. He has a knack for finding the open man and his strength at driving the net allows for a lot of second chances.
Plus, he's hitting people as per usual, putting up 99 hits so far and was one of only a handful of players to have 50+ goals and 400+ hits in their first 200 NHL games; he's been stellar and looks like a true superstar in the making.
It'll be interesting to see how the Maple Leafs respond if Knies isn't available and we'll likely see Jacob Quillan slide in after he was recalled from the Marlies earlier on Monday.
But if he's able to go and is healthy enough to put in a full effort then the Maple Leafs have as good a chance as any to skate away from the first game of their five-game homestand with a much-needed W.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs' latest roster move suddenly makes sense after the Matthew Knies news
Maple Leafs' latest roster move suddenly makes sense after the Matthew Knies news
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19|642 ANSWERS The Leafs are waiting on one decision before puck drop, and it could tilt the outcome Will Matthew Knies' absence hurt the Maple Leafs vs. Minnesota? | ||
| Yes | 530 | 82.6 % |
| No | 112 | 17.4 % |
| List of polls | ||