Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was ruled out of Wednesday’s contest after receiving a hit from Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud.
Whitecloud delivered his shoulder into Knies’ chest, and appeared to make contact with Knies’ head. Knies’ head violently hit the ice as the result of contact and Whitecloud’s feet subsequently left the ice. Knies immediately headed to the dressing room and did not return for the start of the third period.
Maple Leafs F Matthew Knies (upper body) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 21, 2024
It was a polarizing play as some argued that Whitecloud’s hit was legal, while others pointed to Whitecloud connecting with Knies’ head and his feet leaving the ice as the result of contact. Whitecloud was originally assessed a major penalty, but upon review, Whitecloud’s major was reversed. As a result of the call, it’s unlikely the NHL Department of Player Safety will review the play to see if it warrants supplementary discipline.
Here is the play in question:
Zach Whitecloud catches Matthew Knies with a high hit. pic.twitter.com/9DaenOV3zZ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 21, 2024
As the result of the play, Toronto ended up short-handed. Simon Benoit was assessed subsequent roughing minors for retaliating against Whitecloud, and the Maple Leafs killed off the ensuing power play. Fans at Scotiabank Arena were enraged about the decision and broke into a ‘ref, you suck!’ chant.
Toronto was already without several roster regulars due to injury, as Auston Matthews, Max Domi, David Kampf, Max Pacioretty, Calle Jarnkrok are all dealing with injuries, while Ryan Reaves serves the first of his five-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse.
Knies has emerged as one of the breakout stars in the NHL this season, recording eight goals and 12 points in 19 games. He has been a fixture in Toronto’s top-six, getting the primary assignment with Matthews and Mitch Marner to begin the year, then was promoted to the team’s top power play unit.
