Knies, Matthews return to Maple Leafs' lineup vs. Lightning

The Toronto Maple Leafs will get some much-needed reinforcements for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed on Saturday that Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies will be in the lineup against Tampa Bay later that evening.

to make room on the roster the team has placed Bobby McMann on injured reserve and sent Alex Steeves to the Marlies.

Matthews has missed a lengthy period of time after suffering an upper-body injury on Nov. 3 against the Minnesota Wild, which forced a nine-game absence.

Toronto has held strong without its captain, going 7-2 without Matthews, despite struggling offensively in a 4-1 loss against the Panthers on Wednesday.

The Maple Leafs will gladly welcome back the 27-year-old's production. Matthews had logged 11 points (five goals, six assists) through 13 games before his injury stint.

Meanwhile, Knies makes his return after missing the Leafs' last two games with an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old suffered the injury after taking a hit by Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud.

Knies had played in all 20 of Toronto's contests before his short absence, racking up eight goals (fourth-most on the roster) and four assists in that span.

The return of Matthews and Knies couldn't have come at a better time for the Leafs who have been hit hard by injuries upfront.

Bobby McMann did not practice with the team in Tampa on Friday after leaving the game against Florida with a lower-body injury. Berube told reporters that McMann is day-to-day and will miss a couple games.

The Maple Leafs have also been without Max Domi, David Kampf, Max Pacioretty, and Calle Jarnkrok this season.

Puck drop between the Leafs and Lightning takes place at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet.