The Toronto Maple Leafs will get some much-needed reinforcements back in the lineup for a big showdown against the Edmonton Oilers.
Head coach Craig Berube confirmed to reporters that forwards Matthew Knies and John Tavares will make their returns to the lineup on Saturday night.
In a corresponding move, the Maple Leafs sent forward Nikita Grebenkin to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Tavares (absent 17 days with a lower-body injury) and Knies (out 10 days with a bad shoulder) practised in full Friday at Rogers Place paving the way for their return to the lineup.
“Not playing sucks,” says Tavares, whose leg accidentally got clipped and dragged awkwardly by Chris Tanev’s foot in practice a couple weeks ago.
“I really just tried to narrow my focus to just getting a little better every day. Obviously, it’s led to being part of practice today and being able to push myself pretty good. So, it was very positive.”
Their returns couldn’t have come at a better time for the Leafs, who have struggled to produce offensively with three straight losses in which they scored just once per game.
Knies, 22, has suited up in 48 games for the Maple Leafs this season, with 18 goals and 31 points. The 34-year-old Tavares, meanwhile, is having a resurgent year, with 20 goals and 42 points in 44 games.
Watch the Leafs take on the Oilers on Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet starting at 7 p.m. ET/5 p.m. MT.
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