Maple Leafs getting huge boost ahead of matchup vs. Oilers

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be back to essentially full strength when they take on the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, as both John Tavares and Matthew Knies are expected to return to the lineup. The Leafs also expect to have goaltender Anthony Stolarz available, who is set to back up Joseph Woll.

Craig Berube confirms that John Tavares and Matthew Knies will return to the Leafs lineup tonight in Edmonton @TSN_Sports @TSNHockey
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 1, 2025

The Leafs have lost three straight games and are having a very hard time scoring goals, adding Tavares and Knies back to the mix should do wonders for their offence. Tavares has recorded 20 goals and 42 points in 44 games this year, and hasn't played since Jan.14 due to a lower-body injury.

Meanwhile, Knies has dressed since Jan.22 against the Blue Jackets due to an upper-body injury, and so far in his second year in the league, has scored 18 goals and 31 points in 47 games. Knies is heading back to his usual spot on Toronto's top line with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. Tavares will center the Leafs' second line with William Nylander and Max Pacioretty.

Oilers' superstar Connor McDavid made a point that he doesn't understand how the Leafs come to town and all of a sudden they go from playing at 7pm to 5pm, but also added that he prefers an earlier start time.

As for Stolarz, he's set to return to the lineup. The Leafs' netminder has been out of the lineup since Dec.12 against the Ducks. Stolarz is 9-5-2 on the year, posting a 2.15 GAA and .927 Sv.%.

Matthew Knies: "I felt I got all my strength back ... I should be in for tomorrow"

on injury: "It just didn't feel comfortable with my shoulder & that's the reason I wanted to take some time, heal it up & make sure I was 100 per cent"https://t.co/th33Wi1tOH
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 1, 2025