- 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have received positive news regarding their lineup.
Top-line forward Matthew Knies is expected to participate in the decisive Game 7 showdown against the Florida Panthers on Sunday, head coach Craig Berube confirmed to reporters.
Knies was on the ice for Sunday`s morning skate, taking his regular position alongside linemates Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews.
During Game 6 on Friday, Knies appeared visibly uncomfortable after an awkward collision with Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola in the first period.
Although the 23-year-old remained on the bench, his ice time was limited to just 13:01, significantly lower than his playoff average of 20:11 per game.
On Saturday, Coach Berube had stated he hadn`t yet spoken with Knies and lacked an immediate health update.
Berube explained that managing Knies` minutes in Game 6 was based on discussions and the specific game situation, acknowledging the forward was not operating at peak performance.
On the Florida Panthers` side, head coach Paul Maurice did not definitively confirm whether forward Evan Rodrigues, who sat out Games 5 and 6 following a hard hit from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, would return for Game 7, though he mentioned Rodrigues was feeling good.
The winner-take-all Game 7 between Toronto and Florida is scheduled for Sunday evening.
