The Toronto Maple Leafs got some welcome news on Wednesday. Three lineup regulars will return to the ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew Knies, Nic Roy, and captain Auston Matthews will be back in the fold.
The fantastic news, as confirmed by insider Elliotte Friedman, promises to give the Maple Leafs a much-needed boost. The patchwork lineup has held the team together somewhat. However, it hasn’t been nearly enough to climb out of last place in the Atlantic Division.
That being said, the three additions to the lineup mean that someone inevitably gets squeezed out. That someone is forward Sammy Blais.
Blais was a waiver pickup at the end of training camp this season. The Montreal Canadiens left the 29-year-old off their roster, exposing him to waivers. The Maple Leafs claimed him and sent him to the AHL Marlies.
The former fourth-round pick of the 2014 NHL Draft got a call-up amid the insane rash of injuries befalling the Maple Leafs. Blais rewarded the Maple Leafs with a solid eight games this season. He has one goal and two assists while playing a fourth-line role predominantly. He’s averaged less than 10 minutes a night, but has been the gritty forward that Craig Berube likes on his team.
If he clears, he’ll be back with the AHL Marlies. Otherwise, Blais could be an option for teams looking to get forward depth. It’s sort of doubtful anyone takes Blais on, but then again, anything can happen.
Maple Leafs Finally Have Their Top Four Centers Back in the Lineup
Despite Blais becoming an unfortunate victim of circumstances, the Maple Leafs finally have their top four centers back in the lineup.
Matthews returns to the top unit after missing five games. He last played on November 11 against the Boston Bruins, leaving the game following a hit from defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
Knies left two games later with a lower-body issue, but appears to be fully healthy. Mark Masters quoted Knies on Wednesday:
“I feel great. I feel a lot better. I’m just excited to get back in the lineup. It sucks watching. You just want to be out there to help the guys so happy to do that today.”
According to Masters, Knies had been dealing with a lower-body issue for over a month. It seems the rest was helpful.
Joshua, Maccelli Healthy Scratches for Toronto
Lastly, Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli figure to be healthy scratches for the Maple Leafs against Columbus. For Joshua, it’s the first time during his tenure in Toronto that he’ll be out of the lineup.
Maccelli has been a healthy scratch this season. The last time he sat out, he returned to score a big goal against his former team, the Utah Mammoth. However, Maccelli doesn’t figure to get back into the lineup soon, especially with the way Nick Robertson has proven himself this season.
The Leafs hope to end a two-game skid on Wednesday night. They are one point behind the Buffalo Sabres for last in the Atlantic, while three points behind the Florida Panthers for the next spot.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Maple Leafs Place Forward on Waivers as Matthews, Knies return appeared first on Heavy Sports.