Craig Berube wasn’t sure up until yesterday. “We’ll monitor him tomorrow and see where he’s at,” he addressed the media when asked for an injury update on Toronto Maple Leafs’ top line forward, Matthew Knies. Concerns came in like a flood amongst Leafs nation upon hearing the news. Ahead of a crucial game 7 against the Panthers, it spelled doom when, during the morning skate, Bobby McMann was seen taking the first-line shifts. However, McMann might just have to wait a little longer to skate with the top line with the latest update out of the Leafs camp.

Because, to the delight of Leafs fans, NHL insider Chris Johnston has posted some good news on X: “Matthew Knies is taking line rushes in his usual spot, so all signs point to him playing Game 7. No lineup changes for the #leafs from Game 6 in Florida.” At a time when any missing player can tip the balance of the scales, it looks like the Leafs won’t be heading into this do-or-die game at a disadvantage.

With Knies coming back to the lineup just in time, it looks like any slight advantage that Florida might have received is now gone. It’s a level playing field and it all comes down to who can rise up to the occasion. And Knies could perform wonders, as teammate John Tavares confirmed, “Kniesy is developing into a heck of a player,” when he saw the star performing quite well during the practice session! “The steps he’s taken to becoming a career power-forward, he plays in all situations, made some huge plays and he’s had some big moments for us already, so good to see him out there and getting ready to go,” Tavares further stated.

After all, the Leafs forward has definitely put together a solid playoff run for Toronto. Talk about contributing while putting in all efforts and Knies has five goals and seven points in 12 games so far. Now that the puck drops on Sunday around 7 PM EST, the Maple Leafs will have their top performer in line alongside the captain Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner! And here’s what the head coach said while finally addressing all the queries and concerns regarding Knies.

Berube can’t let go of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ crucial player before the final battle

Berube’s first remark on the player’s update—“He’s good to go,” go”—wasn’t just about Knies’s return to ice but his comeback that could pose a serious threat for the Panthers for one final clash! Not only this but he clearly drew a hard line between being injured and being hurt when he further quoted, “You’re not injured because you’re playing. You’re banged up. You’re hurt. And there’s a lot of that. There’s a lot of lot of teams and a lot of players (hurt).” Well, isn’t it about highlighting the playoff mentality where stakes are high, and players are expected to push through pain for the team? Berube’s tone implied exactly that!

Because choosing to rest in this situation wouldn’t be received well! And in In Knies’ case, he proved earlier what the coach is demanding now. Remember despite being in clear pain after taking a hard reverse hit from Niko Mikkola, the way he stuck it out and kept playing? Berube’s comments reflect that kind of attitude, probably!

Hence, losing such a player at a crucial time is not only about giving the opponents a clear chance but also about challenging your own dominance! With Game 7 or let’s say the final call, knocking at the door soon, Matthew Knies really has to battle through any pain if he is enduring one in this case! Because Berube sees him as a pivotal part of the game while stating, “He touches every part of the game, that’s for sure, and scored some big goals for us. “He’s been a very good player in the playoffs.” Looks like it’s going to be an exciting one approaching in no time!