Leafs Confirm Matthew Knies' Status For Sunday's Game

Midway through the second period of the Leafs' 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs lost Matthew Knies following a check to the head from Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud.

Knies was carrying the puck through the neutral zone when Whitecloud stepped up and caught him with a huge hit that left Knies wobbly and forced him into concussion protocol.

There was no immediate update on his status following the game on Wednesday, but Craig Berube noted on Thursday during his media availability that, surprisingly, he was feeling okay. However, Knies was absent from practice on Friday.

Following practice, Berube confirmed that Knies is progressing well, but did mention that the 22-year-old former second-round pick would not be playing Sunday against the Utah Hockey Club.

Already without Auston Matthews, who is expected to return on Wednesday, David Kampf, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty and Calle Jarnkrok due to injury and Ryan Reaves due to his suspension, the Leafs' forward depth will be tested even more on Sunday without Knies.

Berube was unable to provide a firm timeline for a return to action for Knies, but the team will likely be cautious with this one given the nature of the injury.