Matthews, Knies returning to lineup vs. Blue Jackets

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies are returning to action Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they confirmed to TSN's Mark Masters.

Matthews has missed Toronto's last five games with a lower-body injury, while Knies has sat out the past three with the same designation.

The pair has spent most of the season together on the Maple Leafs' top line. Matthews notched 14 points in 17 games before being sidelined, and Knies ranks third on the team with 22 points in 19 appearances.

Nicolas Roy will also return to the lineup Wednesday as Toronto inches closer to full health. The club is still missing defensemen Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo due to injuries.

The Maple Leafs have three wins in their past 10 games and have plummeted to last place in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto enters the contest in Columbus 1-6-0 on the road this season.