Nov 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) scores an empty net goal and celebrates with center Auston Matthews (34) against the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, they are waiting on the status of Matthew Knies which could en up being a huge factor.

Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild head into the Scotiabank Arena as a team looking to build off a crucial OT win that snapped their three-game skid, meanwhile the Maple Leafs come back home after a tough albeit successful road trip.

Though they’ll be without William Nylander for the next little bit, and Matthew Knies was absent at practice due to a lingering injury since before Christmas.

Why Matthew Knies’ game status could turn the tides for Toronto

Given the team needs to set the pace, losing Knies hurts because he would be able to establish a physical asset while also giving the team a ton of help in front of the net; it’s hard to replace a 6’3, 230+ pound freight train on the ice.

If the Wild start to push the pace more and get Quinn Hughes more actively involved, we know how dangerous he can really be; something Toronto can’t afford right now.

Knies, 23, has 40 points in 45 games (12 goals, 28 assists) and showed much more playmaking ability than anyone expected. He has a knack for finding the open man and his strength at driving the net allows for a lot of second chances.

Plus, he’s hitting people as per usual, putting up 99 hits so far and was one of only a handful of players to have 50+ goals and 400+ hits in their first 200 NHL games; he’s been stellar and looks like a true superstar in the making.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Maple Leafs respond if Knies isn’t available and we’ll likely see Jacob Quillan slide in after he was recalled from the Marlies earlier on Monday.

But if he’s able to go and is healthy enough to put in a full effort then the Maple Leafs have as good a chance as any to skate away from the first game of their five-game homestand with a much-needed W.

Previously on Hockey Patrol

POLL

39 MINUTES AGO   |   37 ANSWERS

The Leafs are waiting on one decision before puck drop, and it could tilt the outcome

Will Matthew Knies’ absence hurt the Maple Leafs vs. Minnesota?