Already down 1-0 to the Boston Bruins in the first period, things got worse for the Toronto Maple Leafs as rookie Matthew Knies was drilled by Bruins captain Brad Marchand with just over seven minutes to go in the period in what was clearly interference. Marchand's shoulder made direct contact with Knies' head and Knies immediately headed to the bench, and then, after a few moments, to the dressing room.
Knies did not return to the game, and according to Leafs reporter Joshua Kloke, Knies was held out for precautionary reasons. Following the game, though, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was not provide an update on the rookie's status nor confirm the severity of the injury. Surprisingly, though, when asked about the collision, Keefe did not blame Marchand.
Losing Knies would be a huge blow to the Leafs' forward group. While he hasn't put up eye-popping numbers on the top line with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, he has gotten better and better as the season has worn on. In 61 games for the Leafs this season, Knies has 11 goals and 26 points. The 6'3, 217 pound winger has been highly coveted by teams across the league ahead of the deadline, but GM Brad Treliving has already deemed him an untouchable, and rightfully so. With the Leafs back in action Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens, we should have an update on Knies at some point today or tomorrow.
