Maple Leafs to Face Major Obstacle in Game 7 as Coach Shares Unfortunate Matthew Knies Update

The Toronto Maple Leafs are riding high after a gritty Game 6 win against the Florida Panthers on Friday night, forcing a do-or-die Game 7 on Sunday. But the victory came with a catch: the status of star left winger Matthew Knies is up in the air, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations. Losing Knies, even for one game, could be a tough blow for a squad already battered by injuries this season.

Knies, who’s been Toronto’s standout left winger this year, didn’t look himself in Game 6. After taking a hit late in the first period, he was clearly laboring, logging just 13:01 of ice time—well below his playoff average of 20:11. He never left the bench during play, but his limited minutes raised red flags. Post-game, head coach Craig Berube didn’t sugarcoat the uncertainty.

NHL insider Chris Johnson echoed this on X, tweeting, “Craig Berube says he isn’t sure if Matthew Knies will be healthy enough to play Game 7. No specifics provided on his injury.” Knies’ physical presence, which has ramped up lately, and his 5 goals and 7 points in 12 playoff games this post-season make him a critical piece of Toronto’s puzzle. “He’s dealing with something here that happened, and we’ve got to look at him and see how he’s feeling tomorrow,” Maple leafs head coach Craig Berube said, adding that he “wouldn’t know” if Knies will be ready for Game 7.

The 22-year-old’s potential absence would stretch Toronto’s wing depth thin. The Leafs are already without John Tavares in their top six, and other forwards like Max Pacioretty, Calle Jarnkrok, and Connor Dewar are also sidelined. If Knies can’t go, Nicholas Robertson might slot into the lineup, but Pacioretty is the likely candidate for a top-six promotion.

Craig Berube says he isn't sure if Matthew Knies will be healthy enough to play Game 7.

No specifics provided on his injury.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 17, 2025

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