The Toronto Maple Leafs made a roster move Monday that raised some eyebrows at first - recalling forward Jacob Quillan from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies ahead of their matchup with the Minnesota Wild. On the surface, it seemed like a minor, perhaps even puzzling decision. But once you dig into the situation surrounding Matthew Knies, the picture becomes a lot clearer.
Knies’ Ongoing Injury Brings Clarity to Quillan Call-Up
The key to understanding this move lies in Knies’ health. The 23-year-old winger was absent from the team’s morning skate, and according to reports, he’s been battling through something for a while now. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Knies has been dealing with a lingering issue since before the holidays - one that hasn’t fully healed despite the occasional break.
“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 - Christmas time and stuff.
He comes back, it feels better. It’s an ongoing issue.”
That explains the dip in Knies’ recent production and physical presence. Over the last nine games, he’s managed just one goal and five total points - a noticeable drop-off for a player who’s been a key part of Toronto’s forward group this season.
His trademark physicality has also taken a hit: just nine hits in that stretch, a stark contrast to the eight hits he registered in the season opener alone. Prior to this injury flare-up, Knies was averaging 2.5 hits per game.
That’s a big part of his game - and when it fades, you know something’s not right.
Knies’ Numbers Tell the Story
On the season, Knies has still put up solid numbers: 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points in 45 games, while logging nearly 20 minutes of ice time per night. He’s also chipped in with 99 hits, 21 blocked shots, and 19 penalty minutes. But the recent dip in impact - both on the scoresheet and in the physical department - is hard to ignore.
The Leafs need Knies to be at full strength, especially with William Nylander also out. Toronto’s margin for error in the Atlantic Division isn’t exactly generous, and missing two top-six forwards for any extended period could put them in a tough spot. But at the same time, pushing Knies to play through something that’s clearly limiting him isn’t the answer either.
A Smart, Necessary Move - Even If It’s Not Ideal
That’s where Jacob Quillan comes in. He may not be a game-changer right now, but his recall gives the Leafs a body to plug in while Knies gets the rest he needs. It’s not ideal to be shorthanded against a physical, playoff-caliber team like the Wild, but long-term health matters more than a single regular-season game.
This is the kind of moment that tests a team’s depth and resilience. Toronto’s had its fair share of those already this season, and they’ve shown they can respond.
Letting Knies take the time he needs to heal - even if it means sitting him for a game or two - is the smart play here. Because when he’s right, he’s a difference-maker.
And come spring, the Leafs are going to need every bit of that.