John Tavares and Matthew Knies Game Status Confirmed Against the Edmonton Oilers
The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting some much needed reinforcements against the Edmonton Oilers as John Tavares and Matthew Knies are set to return from injury.
With a three game losing streak on their minds, and a lack of offense from a team both struggling with their production and a loss of their key contributors, the Maple Leafs head into Edmonton with one goal: Win.
They've been dealing with a lot of injured players over the last week although signs were pointing to a return soon. Well, the Maple Leafs are getting at least two of their three key pieces back just in time for Saturday night.
Matthew Knies And John Tavares Make Their Return From Injury
To say Toronto is happy that both men are back is an understatement. Of the team's 155 goals for, Tavares and Knies have combined for 38 of those; or nearly 25% of their season total.
It's a striking bit of statistics that show just how vital both of them are to the team's success.
Even with Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander in tow, it's the things that their linemates do that create those chances.
Tavares has been lights out this season and is responsible for a lot of Nylander's success.
Knies has been a sparkplug on the ice adding 109 hits and relentless energy and forechecking allowing for more chances.
Since Toronto seemingly keeps losing out on potential trade pieces to add to their forward depth, it's more crucial than ever to have them not only healthy, but contributing like they need to. The team can't rely on their bottom half for scoring (unless you're Bobby McMann) so it's up to the Core 4 to make things work somehow.
Tavares is set to be a free agent after this season, however is more than likely going to re-sign with the Maple Leafs.
He has 20 goals and 22 assists in 44 games this season.
Knies is building off of a breakout season last year with 18 goals and 13 assists in 47 games.
He is going to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season and is going to be a top priority for Brad Treliving as the summer approaches.
Toronto is set to take on the Edmonton Oilers with an adjusted start time of 7pm ET as Toronto gets the early game out West on Saturday night.
