Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies returns to practice, doubtful against Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs are ever-so-slowly inching toward a return to health.

Forward Matthew Knies returned to practice Friday ahead of a marquee Hockey Night in Canada matchup against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT).

However, Knies remains doubtful to suit up due to a lower-body injury that’s already sidelined him for two games, per head coach Craig Berube.

Along with the 23-year-old Knies, fellow top-line forward Auston Matthews also participated in practice, skating with the team for the second time since he went down with injury.

However, he is also doubtful to line up 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 out since Nov. 11 with a lower-body injury. Berube said Wednesday the captain is “improving,” though he did not have a timeline on his return.

The battered Maple Leafs received one healthy body back when Scott Laughton returned for Thursday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Goalie Anthony Stolarz, defencemen Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, and forward Nicolas Roy remain sidelined, in addition to Knies and Matthews.