The Toronto Maple Leafs lost for the second time this week to the Boston Bruins last night. In the game, early in the first period, Bruins captain Brad Marchand and Leafs rookie Matthew Knies collided in the Bruins' zone, unfortunatelt knocking Knies out of the rest of the game.
Following the game, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe did not provide much of an update on Knies, except that he had no issues with the collision and didn't think it was intentional. This afternoon, the Leafs sent Knies down to the Toronto Marlies.
The hope is that this is a precursor to a trade that Brad Treliving is about to make, but it may be a paper transaction. By sending Knies down today, he is eligible to play for the Marlies in the Calder Cup playoffs. The roster spot and cap space may be just a bonus in case the Leafs do decide to make another trade and require some additional flexibility.
In 61 games for the Leafs in his rookie season, Knies has 11 goals and 26 points skating primarily alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. We should have more of an update on his health later today or tomorrow.
