Latest Update on Matthew Knies Confirms His Status for Wednesday's Meeting with Panthers
Matthew Knies was back at Maple Leafs practice on Tuesday, but from his appearance, it was pretty clear that he will not suit up on Wednesday against Florida.
Last week against Vegas, Knies was working his way through the neutral zone when Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud stepped up on him and delivered a check to his head, which sent Knies straight down the tunnel and into concussion protocol
Since that time, Knies has missed multiple practices, skating only briefly before on-ice sessions began to test things out. On Tuesday, he appears to have taken a slight step forward.
Knies was spotted on the ice with his teammates on Tuesday at Leafs practice, but there was one caveat. He did so wearing a red non-contact jersey, indicating that he likely will not play against the Panthers on Wednesday in Florida.
Knies has played very well this season for the Maple Leafs. It's quite clear that a sophomore slump was never really a concern for the young winger, who has been one of the team's best overall performers this season, prior to going down with his upper-body injury.
The 22-year-old from Arizona had amassed 8 goals and 12 points across 20 games for the Leafs and has been physically imposing all season long, using his 6'3", 230-pound frame to fight off checks, land some heavy hits and wreak havoc in front of the opposition's net.
Knies is a pending restricted free agent, and while there's been a lot of talk about what he might be worth on a long-term contract, talks have not yet progressed to the point where anything is imminent. This is a deal that may very well end up waiting until the offseason.
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