Maple Leafs Receive Unfortunate News on Matthew Knies; Nick Robertson Gets Huge Opportunity

The Maple Leafs were handed a beatdown by the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets, but what happened in the second period to sophomore stud Matthew Knies might sting even more than the embarrassing loss on home ice.

With just over two minutes to go in the second period, Knies attempted to finish his check on Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko. Unfortunately, Knies got the worst of it as he stumbled backward landing awkwardly and appeared to hit his head and neck area on the linesman's leg.

Knies was slow to get up before climbing into the Leafs' bench. He spoke with training staff before heading to the dressing room prior to the end of the period.

The concern from Leafs Nation is perhaps another concussion or head injury for the Arizona native as he missed 10 days with an upper-body injury at the end of November.

Whether precautionary or not, Knies did not return for the third period giving Nicholas Robertson the opportunity he's been craving in the top-six.

Robertson has been clamouring for an opportunity higher in the lineup since requesting a trade back in June. Although it may come at the cost of Knies, the former second-round pick has yet to find consistency on the third line, but playing with more offensive-minded players in Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner should help Robertson with his confidence and production.

That is, of course, if the Leafs opt to keep Robertson on that top line should Knies miss time.

Knies had been on a tear prior to his injury Wednesday scoring 7 goals in his past 9 games. Hopefully he is being held out for precautionary reasons, but given how careful the Leafs have been with injuries this season, it wouldn't be a shock to see him miss at least Saturday's game as well.

The Leafs are already without the services of John Tavares, Max Pacioretty, Connor Dewar and Calle Jarnkrok up front. Losing Knies for an extended period of time would be a tough pill to swallow.