Heading into the game, Toronto was already at the maximum 23-player active roster limit, with both Matthews and Knies on injured reserve. To activate them, the team needed to clear two roster spots. One of those spots will be freed up by sending Alex Steeves down to the Toronto Marlies.

Lesson learned for Matthew Knies. As the young winger prepares to come back from a suspected head injury 10 days ago when crushed by a Zach Whitecloud bodycheck, he told media in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies has been officially ruled out after a scary hit from Golden Knights defender Zach Whitecloud.