The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised for a revitalizing boost as forwards Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Nicolas Roy return to the lineup for their upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This return comes amid a challenging season marked by injuries.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
Auston Matthews has been inactive since November 11 due to a lower-body injury sustained in a match against the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, Nicolas Roy has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since November 15.
Matthew Knies, who has not played since the same date, has dealt with a lower-body issue for over a month. Knies expressed his eagerness to return: “I feel great. I feel a lot better. I’m just excited to get back in the lineup. It sucks watching,” he stated. His absence has been felt, as he recorded five goals and 17 assists in just 19 games this season.
Player Statistics
- Auston Matthews: 9 goals, 5 assists in 17 games
- Matthew Knies: 5 goals, 17 assists in 19 games
- Nicolas Roy: 1 goal, 4 points in 19 games
Current Season Struggles
Despite making the playoffs for the past nine seasons, the Maple Leafs currently find themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 9-10-3 record after 22 games. They have faced significant challenges lately, losing seven of their last eight games.
Additional Player News
Veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo skated with the team for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury on November 13. Chris Tanev has been out since November 1 with an upper-body issue, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz remains unavailable due to an upper-body injury incurred on November 11.
As the Maple Leafs prepare for their matchup against the Blue Jackets, fans hope that the return of Matthews, Knies, and Roy will bring a much-needed turnaround for the struggling team.
