Toronto Maple Leafs Dealt Brutal Injury News

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be shorthanded for likely the rest of their second-round series against the Florida Panthers after rookie winger Matthew Knies was diagnosed with a concussion and is certainly out for Game's 3 and 4.

Matthew Knies diagnosed with a concussion. Out for games 3 and 4, per Keefe. "Unlikely" to return to series.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 5, 2023

Bennett Rock Bottom'd Knies pic.twitter.com/Zh8sblmy8R
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) May 4, 2023

Knies, who was an NCAA star this season, joined the Leafs towards the end of the season and has been a pleasant surprise for the hockey club of late. He scored his first career goal in Game 1 vs the Panthers and in Game 2, was manhandled by Panthers pest Sam Bennett behind the net, leading to the concussion.

Bennett would also cross check Michael Bunting across the neck during Game 2, and even though he's a repeat offender including a playoff suspension, Bennett received just a $5000 fine for his troubles.

As for Knies, it's not likely we see him back on the ice until the next round, should the Maple Leafs make it of course. Toronto is likely to go back to 11F/7D set up with Knies out, as they will likely choose to dress defenseman Erik Gustafsson over forward Zach Aston-Reese, who played just over six minutes in Game 1.

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports