Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies exits versus Blue Jackets following collision

Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Matthew Knies exited Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after a collision in the second period and did not return.

Prior to his exit, Knies had taken 13:41 in ice time in which he had registered one shot, three hits, and a minus-one rating.

Earlier this season, Knies missed two games due to an upper-body injury, while the 22-year-old forward also missed three games during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs due to a concussion.

On the season, the product of Phoenix, Ariz., has made 46 appearances with the Maple Leafs in which he has collected 18 goals and 13 assists to sit fifth in team scoring with 31 points. Originally chosen 57th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2021 NHL Draft, Knies has skated part of three seasons with the franchise, totaling 129 career contests in which he has registered 33 goals and 34 assists for 67 points. Knies has also added seven points in 14 postseason outings.

Per PuckPedia, Knies is in the final year of his three-year, entry-level contract and is a due to become a restricted free agent this offseason.

In Knies’ absence, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube elected to skate left winger Nick Robertson on the team’s top line alongside fellow forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The Maple Leafs trailed by three goals at the time of Knies’ exit before ultimately falling 5-1 to the visiting Blue Jackets.

Following the loss, Berube classified Knies’ ailment as an upper-body injury and indicated that a further update on his status could be available Thursday, per Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin.

With the defeat, the Maple Leafs snapped a three-game winning streak but remain atop the Atlantic Division with a record of 30-17-2, three points ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.