Knies past hit that injured him: 'Gotta keep your head up'

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies isn't holding any resentment toward Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud for a high hit that knocked him out of the lineup.

Knies was stood up in the neutral zone Nov. 20 in the second period of Toronto's victory over Vegas. He left the contest and missed the next two games with an upper-body injury.

"I put myself in a tough scenario," Knies told TSN's Mark Masters. "I was just trying to get the puck in, and you gotta keep your head up. I'm kind of upset that it led me to getting hurt, but it happens in hockey ... He apologized to me. I don’t think he’s intending to hurt me."

The hit didn't draw any supplemental discipline. Knies didn't confirm whether it caused a concussion. The 22-year-old was concussed in the second round of the 2023 playoffs against the Florida Panthers.

Knies looks poised to return to action Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He skated on the top line with Auston Matthews and William Nylander at practice Friday and took reps on the top power-play unit. Matthews previously confirmed his return for Saturday after a nine-game absence.

Knies has collected 12 points in 20 games this season. He's in his third NHL campaign after being drafted 57th overall by the Leafs in 2021 and is a pending restricted free agent.