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Report: Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies will play vs. Blue Jackets after missing 3 games

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | Last updated Nov 26, 2025 9:35 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies will return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, The Leafs Nation’s Nick Alberga reports.

Knies missed the Maple Leafs’ previous three games due to a lower-body injury. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said that Knies, Auston Matthews and Nicolas Roy’s status were still to be determined following Tuesday’s practice. Knies skated in a grey uniform and took line rushes alongside Matthews and Roy as alternates.

“Knies, Matthews and Roy all practiced today,” Berube said. “Looked good, they finished practice, but still gotta see about tomorrow. So that’s where they’re at, but it was good that they were out there and finished practice, went through all the drills.”

Sounds like there's a "good chance" that Matthew Knies, who's missed the last 3 games due to a lower body injury, WILL return to the #LeafsForever lineup tonight when they visit #CBJ.

— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) November 26, 2025

The 23-year-old recorded five goals and 22 points in 19 games this season. Knies is one of the NHL’s ascending power forwards and his return will certainly be welcomed by a Maple Leafs team sitting last in the Eastern Conference with a 9-10-3 record. He is currently tied for 11th in the NHL with 16 points at 5-on-5 this season, and he’s taken on a greater leadership role this season.

At the time of this filing, it’s unclear whether Matthews and Roy will also suit up on Wednesday. Knies has primarily played alongside Matthews on the top line throughout the year.

Berube implored the Maple Leafs to look at ‘the glass half-full’ to conclude Tuesday’s practice, as the Maple Leafs desperately need to start stringing ways together in order to save what’s been a very disappointing season to date. Knies’ return to the lineup is one reason to be genuinely optimistic about the Maple Leafs ahead of Wednesday’s game, and the larger road trip ahead.

“That’s the way you got to look at things,” Berube said. “The glass is half full. We got an opportunity to go in here tomorrow and get two points and that’s got to be our focus and then we’ll go from there to the next game.”

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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