Knies ruled out for Sunday vs. Utah, no return timeline

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies has been ruled out for Sunday's clash against Utah, head coach Craig Berube announced, according to The Hockey News' Nick Barden.

Berube added that Knies is improving, but the bench boss still doesn't have a timeline for when he might return.

"If he keeps progressing in the right direction, then a possibility down the road here soon," Berube said.

Knies exited Toronto's 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday with an upper-body injury after taking a crushing hit from defenseman Zach Whitecloud. The rearguard was initially given a five-minute major, but the penalty was rescinded after a review.

His absence is another blow to the Maple Leafs' forward group, which was also without Auston Matthews, Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, Max Pacioretty, David Kampf, and Ryan Reaves against the Golden Knights.

Reinforcements might be on the way, though, as Domi is eligible to come back to the lineup Sunday. Berube didn't rule out his return for Toronto's next match, per TSN's Mark Masters.

Knies has registered eight goals and 12 points in 20 games this season. Toronto selected the 6-foot-3 power forward in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft, and he's since amassed 48 points in 103 career outings.