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Maple Leafs unveil radical new lineup as Matthew Knies becomes a game-time decision


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Alexander Cole
January 19, 2026  (11:38)
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Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) puck juggles before a game against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre.
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is dealing with an injury right now, and it has put the team in a difficult position against the Minnesota Wild.

Over the past week or so, Matthew Knies has been missing practices and morning skates with some sort of injury. However, he remained in the lineup.
Today, Knies was absent from morning skate all over again, this time ahead of a matchup against the Minnesota Wild. According to Craig Berube, this time, he is a game-time decision.
Overall, this is a difficult position for the Maple Leafs, and after calling up Jacob Quillan, the team is looking to make major changes.
In fact, if Knies doesn't play tonight, this will lead to the most radical lineup change of the entire season for the Leafs.

Maple Leafs lineup vs. the Minnesota Wild

The first line is going to consist of Bobby McMann, Auston Matthews, and Max Domi, with Matias Maccelli, John Tavares, and Scott Laughton taking up the second line.
Meanwhile, the third line will be guys like Easton Cowan, Nicolas Roy, and Nick Robertson. Lastly, the fourth line is going to be Steven Lorentz, Quillan, and Calle Jarnkrok.
McMann-Matthews-Domi
Maccelli-Tavares-Laughton
Cowan-Roy-Robertson
Lorentz-Quillan-Jarnkrok
Absent: Knies
Injured: Nylander

Rielly-Carlo
OEL-McCabe
Benoit-Stecher
Benning-Myers

Woll
Hildeby
Stolarz

This is an important game for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are looking to prove that they are one of the top contenders in the NHL.
They are still in the thick of the hunt for a playoff spot, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will come away with the win against Minnesota.
With a lineup like this, there is no doubt that this is one of the most unpredictable games of the entire NHL season.
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Maple Leafs unveil radical new lineup as Matthew Knies becomes a game-time decision

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