Forward Matthew Nice back to practice Friday in front of the tent Hockey Night in Canada vs. Montreal Canadiens on Saturday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT).
However, Knies remains doubtful about suiting up due to a lower-body injury that has already sidelined him for two games. on head coach Craig Berube.
Along with 23-year-old Nice, fellow forward Auston Matthews also participated in the practice, skating with the team for the second time since going down with an injury.
However, he also doubts he will start against the Habs.
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Knies had five goals and 17 assists while playing all 22 games before his absence.
Matthews has been sidelined since November 11 with a lower-body injury. Berube said Wednesday that the captain is “getting better,” although he has no timetable for his return.
The battered Maple Leafs got one healthy body back when Scott Laughton returned from a 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, defensemen Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo and forward Nicholas Roy remain sidelined in addition to Nice and Matthews.
