Huge update regarding Matthew Knies, who was injured during practice on Wednesday

The Leafs have already dealt with a significant stretch of unfortunate injuries on the blueline and have had a good number of players miss time due to illness when the flu swept through the locker room as well. An injury to a key player at this point of the season would be a significant concern. Thankfully, Auston Matthews had a bit of an update to provide on Knies following practice. It seems like a best-case scenario, given how serious the injury originally appeared to be.

Sheldon Keefe shared a similar update, stating that the Leafs have not yet ruled out the rookie winger for tomorrow's game against the Islanders.

For much of the season, Knies has been stapled to Matthews' wing, whether it be with William Nylander or Mitch Marner on the opposite flank. The reason for that is obvious. Knies is an absolute dog on a bone with the puck along the wall. Even in situations where it appears that he'll be stripped of the puck, he manages to come out with it, which allows the Leafs to set up and begin to cycle the puck in the offensive zone. Knies is also really good in transition, which has helped the Leafs push play in the right direction very quickly, catching defenders off guard and leading to a number of odd-man rushes.

Knies may only have 15 points in 36 games this season, but his value shouldn't be measured just in points, as he has made a tremendous impact for the Leafs in his rookie season. It's good to know what whatever the injury is, it shouldn't keep him out long, if at all.