Maple Leafs Place Matthew Knies on Injured Reserve – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward Matthew Knies on injured reserve Friday due to an upper-body injury suffered during Wednesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The move will begin on November 20, leaving Knies out for at least a week.

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Head coach Craig Berube previously reported that Knies is improving, but he will not be available for Sunday’s game against Utah.

Impact on Maple Leaves

Knies’ absence creates a significant void in Toronto’s forward line. The 22-year-old has been instrumental this season, scoring eight goals and 12 points in 20 games. His physical play and goal touch have been key to the team’s secondary scoring.

The Maple Leafs are already dealing with a long list of injuries, including Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Auston Matthews. Young players like Bobby McMann, Nicholas Robertson, and Pontus Holmberg stepped into expanded roles to compensate. Two young lads have made an immediate impact on the team with some success, with Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin appearing in the lineup.

Maple Leafs Call Up Alexander Nylander After Knee Injury

In a roster adjustment following Knies’ placement on injured reserve, the Maple Leafs signed Alexander Nylander to a one-year, $775,000 NHL contract on Friday. Nylander, 26 years old, played well in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Toronto Marlies. He has eight goals and four assists in 14 games with the Marlies.

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Drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabers in 2016, Nylander has struggled to find consistent NHL footing. Now he has a chance to contribute to a depleted Maple Leafs roster. His call-up could provide much-needed depth during Knies’ recovery. Maybe he’ll share a shift or two with his brother William Nylander.

Why Maple Leafs Will Miss Knies

Knies’ ability to create offensive opportunities and his growth in the top six has made him an important part of the Maple Leafs. His absence will push Toronto’s already depleted roster even higher. As the team struggles to maintain consistency amid injuries, getting Knies back will be crucial to their success in the coming weeks.

When will the Maple Leafs roster finally be healthy enough to compete at full strength?