Craig Berube confirms Matthew Knies will play Game 7 vs. Panthers

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies will play Sunday’s Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. Knies’ status for the elimination game was uncertain, after suffering an apparent injury in Friday’s Game 6.

The 22-year-old laboured through the game after taking a reverse hit with Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola. Knies fought through the injury, was temporarily dropped to the third line, before resuming regular shifts with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, as the Maple Leafs emerged with a 2-0 victory.

Knies has become an essential part of the team, graduating into the Core Five, after recording 29 goals and 58 points during the regular season. It would be a crushing loss if Knies missed the pivotal Game 7, where his speed, forechecking and ability to get to the net-front have been essential qualities for the Maple Leafs.

“Kniesy is developing into a heck of a player,” teammate John Tavares said after morning skate on Sunday. “How quick his evolution has been throughout the first couple of years and certainly this season, the steps he’s taken to becoming a career power-forward, he plays in all situations, made some huge plays and he’s had some big moments for us already, so good to see him out there and getting ready to go.”

Knies has indeed put together a nice playoff run for the Leafs, with five goals and seven points in 12 games. Tavares isn’t just being a supportive teammate when he says Knies has had some big moments for the team. He assisted on Tavares’ series-clinching overtime goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning two years ago, he scored the overtime-winner in Game 5 against the Boston Bruins last season, and he’s scored a number of clutch goals to either give the Leafs some insurance or to get them back into a game. Combine that with his physicality and attitude on the ice for such a young player, and it’s easy to see why he’s such an integral part of the team.

Berube didn’t provide an update on Knies’ status during his media availability Saturday, but the team can breathe a little easier now knowing his services will be available on Sunday.

Puckdrop from Toronto is at 7 PM eastern.