Leafs share unfortunate update on rookie winger Matthew Knies
The Leafs are officially back in Toronto for a matchup against a struggling Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday evening, looking to build on their current 9-1-3 run over their last 13 games after swinging through New York and securing 3 of a possible 4 points against the Islanders and Rangers.
The Buds brought their absolute A-game against the Rangers on Tuesday in the second half of a back-to-back, and they did so without one of their top wingers in the lineup after Matthew Knies was forced out after taking warmups due to an unspecified illness. Still, even without Knies in the lineup, the Leafs managed to hang 7 on the Rangers en route to a 7-3 win.
Some good news to report on the Matthew Knies front ahead of Thursday's tilt with Columbus as Knies was on the ice for this morning's skate. However, there's also some bad news to report as Knies has been ruled out for tonight's game against the Blue Jackets.
Knies' rookie season has had its fair share of ups and downs. With just 11 points in 25 games this season, the production may appear underwhelming, but Knies does lead the team in hits with 47 on the season, adding 11 blocked shots and 13 takeaways, so he is certainly finding other ways to contribute when the production isn't quite up to par.
A pair of Knies' teammates, Ilya Samsonov and William Lagesson, both missed extensive time due to their respective illnesses. Hopefully Knies is able to avoid the worst with his.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 14 | 788 ANSWERS Leafs share unfortunate update on rookie winger Matthew Knies Before the start of the season, did you think Matthew Knies had a shot at the Calder Trophy? | ||
| Yes | 265 | 33.6 % |
| No | 309 | 39.2 % |
| Come on.. it was always Bedard's trophy to lose | 214 | 27.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
