Multiple Significant Lineup Changes Observed for Maple Leafs Amid Losing Skid

On Friday afternoon, as the Leafs prepared for their game on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers, they welcomed back Knies and John Tavares as full participants in practice, which meant significant changes to the line combinations.

Knies has been out since suffering an injury against Columbus on January 20th, while Tavares has been out since mid-January after leaving practice with what appeared to he a lower-body ailment.

Both Knies and Tavares took their usual spots in the lineup on Friday at practice, with Knies on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and Tavares centering the second line with Max Pacioretty and William Nylander.

The trio of Max Domi, Bobby McMann and Nicholas Robertson were reunited on Friday as well. They had previously been one of the hottest lines in hockey, so that bodes well for the Leafs.

Pontus Holmberg, who was recently criticized by Craig Berube, rejoined David Kampf and Steven Lorentz on the fourth line, which may indicate that Ryan Reaves will be a healthy scratch on Saturday.

As Tavares and Knies returned to practice, Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin were absent, skating after the main group, along with 3rd string goalie Matt Murray, who was also withheld from the main skate.

Murray not skating with the main group could indicate that Anthony Stolarz, who has been out since mid-December, may soon dress for the Leafs, even if only as a backup to start.

On the blueline, Craig Berube reunited Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Morgan Rielly have been placed together once again as well.

While unconfirmed, at least one of Knies and Tavares will be in the lineup on Saturday as the Leafs freed up a roster spot by sending rookie Jacob Quillan down to the Marlies Friday morning.

Confirmation on the status of Knies, Tavares and Stolarz will likely come Saturday afternoon following the game day skate and should all three return, it will be the closest thing to a complete lineup that the Leafs have had all season.