Devastating announcement coming out of Leafs practice regarding a top line forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs took to the ice this afternoon before departing for Long Island as they take on the New York Islanders tomorrow night. The Leafs are coming off of another dominant victory over the San Jose Sharks last night, but it now looks like they will have play without one of their top-six forwards tomorrow and perhaps a lot longer.

Near the beginning of practice, Matthew Knies went down, appearing to injure either his knee or foot. Knies remained on the ice for a few moments before being helped off the ice. He was unable to put any weight on his injured leg. Not a fun scene to witness during practice.


Knies is having a strong rookie season skating alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the Leafs' top line. In 36 games, Knies has 8 goals and 15 points while playing an average of 14:31 per game. He doesn't have the point totals that you would think someone skating with Matthews and Marner would have, but his play away from the puck has improved significantly since the start of the season. Not only that, but he has also continuously learned how to use his body and puck skills to create space and opportunities for his linemates. On some plays, even if he doesn't get a point on a goal, his work along the wall has often been the reason that his line is able to create any sustained pressure and eventually convert.


With Knies being helped off the ice, it doesn't look like it will be a short term injury. As we wait for an update, I'm sure Leafs Nation will be collectively holding its breath.