The Toronto Maple Leafs could be without one of their key young forwards tonight, as Matthew Knies is officially a game-time decision ahead of their matchup with the Minnesota Wild at Scotiabank Arena.
Knies, 23, has been battling an undisclosed injury that’s lingered since before Christmas, according to head coach Craig Berube. The winger was absent from Monday’s morning skate, and Berube didn’t sugarcoat the situation when speaking afterward.
“It’s obviously bothering him a lot for quite some time,” Berube said. “It hasn’t gotten really much better, other than when he gets some breaks - you know, Christmas time and stuff. He comes back, it feels better, but it’s an ongoing issue.”
Despite the nagging nature of the injury, Knies has only missed three games this season - all back in mid-November. When he’s been in the lineup, he’s made his presence felt.
Through 45 games, he’s tallied 12 goals and 40 points, placing him fourth in team scoring. That kind of production from a young forward speaks volumes about his development and importance to the Leafs’ top-six.
With Knies’ status uncertain, Scott Laughton took his spot on the second line during the morning skate, skating alongside John Tavares and Matias Maccelli. It’s a notable elevation for Laughton, and one that reflects both the team’s injury concerns and Berube’s growing confidence in the veteran forward.
“(Laughton’s) been in those situations before - played wing, played up with a more top-six role,” Berube said. “He’s played some real good hockey for us, so he has an opportunity to go up there. But I can move other guys in and out too, so we’ll see him move around if that’s the case.”
Laughton’s recent form supports the decision. He has two goals in his last six games and continues to be a force in the face-off circle, where he leads the Leafs with a 59.8% win rate - good for fifth in the NHL among players who’ve taken at least 300 draws this season. That kind of reliability gives Berube options, especially if the lines need to be shuffled mid-game.
With Laughton moving up, Jacob Quillan slots in as the fourth-line center between Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok. Quillan, also 23, was recalled earlier in the day and brings some scoring punch from the AHL.
He’s posted eight goals and 27 points in 28 games with the Marlies, including a standout four-point night - a hat trick and an assist - in a 6-1 win over Belleville on January 9. He’s only appeared in three NHL games this season (four total in his career), but the Leafs clearly see enough in his game to give him another look.
Toronto will also be seeing the Minnesota Wild for the first time this season, and Joseph Woll is expected to get the nod in goal. One thing to note for fans tuning in: puck drop will be at 7:30 p.m. ET - a half-hour later than usual - as part of Prime Monday Night Hockey coverage.
With Knies' health up in the air and lineup adjustments already in motion, this game offers a glimpse into the Leafs’ depth and adaptability. Whether it’s Laughton stepping up or Quillan making the most of his opportunity, Toronto’s forward group will be tested against a Minnesota team that doesn’t give much away easily.