Auston Matthews Centering Dangerous New Line for the Maple Leafs

He's back, and it looks like Auston Matthews will be flanked by some massive firepower in his return, if the line combinations during Friday's practice are any indication.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was on the ice with his teammates for a full practice on Friday, centering a newly formed line with Matthew Knies and William Nylander, which spells danger for opposing teams.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube recently hinted at some big returns for Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning as both Matthews and Knies were inching their way towards full health throughout the week. When Knies stepped onto the ice in full top-6 blue on Friday, it was a pretty good indicator that he has received the green light to go against Tampa.

Knies has been out since a hit from Zach Whitecloud of the Veqas Golden Knights that the league felt did not warrant any supplemental discipline, despite the obvious head contact.

Meanwhile, Matthews' return is likely to bring about another spat with Toronto Sun reporter Steve Simmons over his most recent column, with his speculation on Matthews' injury.

Outside of adding this new dangerous line, Steven Lorentz looks to be getting a promotion to the third line, with Alex Nylander sitting now that some players have recovered from injury.

Pontus Holmberg joins Mitch Marner and John Tavares on the second line as Bobby McMann deals with an injury.

Tomorrow's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning is an excellent test for the Toronto Maple Leafs after falling 5-1 to the Florida Panthers in their last game with a severely depleted roster. Thankfully, with Auston Matthews back in the lineup, the Leafs will have their best offensive weapon rested, recovered, and ready to go.