Maple Leafs’ Matthews, Knies to return to injury vs. Blue Jackets

Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nic Roy will line up for Wednesday’s matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets (7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).

Matthews has been out since Nov. 11 against the Boston Bruins after suffering a lower-body injury.

The 28-year-old, who has 14 points in 17 games this season, was limited to 67 goals in 33 games in 2024-25 as he dealt with a persistent upper-body injury.

“It’s exciting, it’s a great opportunity for us on the road here to really come together as a group, find our rhythm,” Matthews said. “It’s been a tough few weeks … but feel like I’m ready to go tonight.”

Meanwhile, Kanes has missed Toronto’s last three games with a lower-body injury, the last on Nov. 15 against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Knies told reporters on Wednesday that his problem first surfaced a month ago and that he felt he would need time to heal, adding that he believed he had recovered enough to make an impact.

“I feel great, feel a lot better,” Kinneys said. “I’m glad I can come in healthy and make an impact and hopefully help us.”

The 23-year-old recorded five goals and 17 assists in 19 games this season before his absence.

Roy, 28, missed three games with an upper-body injury. He has one goal and four points in 19 games this year, his first with the Maple Leafs.

Dakota Joshua, Matias McSally and Sammy Bliss are slated to drop out of the lineup to make room for Matthews, Kanes and Rowe.

The Maple Leafs enter Wednesday’s game with a 9-10-3 record in the Eastern Conference.