Toronto Maple Leafs give injury update on Knies and it doesn't sound good
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be without one of their most impactful players for Game 7 versus the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
The Leafs were able to force Game 7 with a 2-0 victory over the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Friday night. It was an extremely impressive win on what was a gutsy effort from many, perhaps none more so than Matthew Knies.
The 22-year-old forward was shaken up early in this one, as he was in noticeable pain after attempting to throw a hit on Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola in the first period.
“He couldn’t shake this off.” 😳@kbieksa3 and the panel discuss Matthew Knies’ condition after his hit on Niko Mikkola in the first period. pic.twitter.com/uqv2r11sSE
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 17, 2025
Knies has been one of the Leafs’ more consistent players throughout the postseason, having scored five goals and seven points through 12 games. It may be time for others to step up, however, as it sounds like there is a real possibility he isn’t able to go on Sunday night.
“We don’t know right now,” head coach Craig Berube told reporters following Friday’s win. “I wouldn’t know that question right now. He’s dealing with something here that happened. We’ve got to look at him and see how he’s feeling tomorrow. We’ll see how he is.”
While losing Knies would be devastating for the Maple Leafs, there is still reason for their fan base to be optimistic heading into Game 7 regardless of whether or not he suits up.
The biggest reason of all is that Auston Matthews was finally able to get off the schneid, scoring his first goal of the series which wound up serving as the game winner. He won’t be the only Leaf heading into Game 7 with sky-high confidence, either, as Joseph Woll was able to kick aside all 22 shots he faced for his first shutout of the postseason.
Game 7 between the Leafs and Panthers is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 p.m. EDT.