Maple Leafs Injury Updates: Anthony Stolarz Won't Be Out 'A Whole Lot Longer', Matthew Knies' Timeline Remains Unknown

Anthony Stolarz got on the ice for part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' practice on Friday, an encouraging step after being out since mid-December following a procedure on his knee to remove a loose body.

The goaltender last played in a game for Toronto on Dec. 12, against the Anaheim Ducks, where he left after one period with the injury. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said his appearance in practice—though he left just before line rushes began on Friday—was an encouraging development.

"He's doing great. It's very encouraging news. He's out there moving around, going down, and stuff like that. He's in a good spot right now," the head coach added.

Related: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Explains Why Anthony Stolarz Will Miss Roughly 4-6 Weeks For A Procedure On His Knee

The initial timeline for Stolarz's return was four-to-six weeks. It's been just over five since the procedure on his knee was done, which was Dec. 18. With that being said, how close is his return to the Maple Leafs' crease?

"We're going to have to see him more and get him in full practices. But again, he's doing well and he's in a good spot right now," Berube said. "I'm not sure exactly on [the timeline]. But I don't think it's going to be a whole lot longer."

Stolarz was one of the league's top goaltenders before going down with an injury. His .927 save percentage through 17 games this season puts him in the league lead in that category.

Berube also had an update on Matthew Knies, who left Wednesday's game against Columbus with an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old skated before Toronto's practice on Friday and is listed as day-to-day, the head coach said.

"He went on the ice today for a little bit. But, you know, I don't know how long it'll be [until he returns to the lineup]. It's a tough one to tell right now," Berube said.

"We'll see. We got tomorrow's game (against Ottawa). We'll see how he is tomorrow and kind of know from there."

Calle Jarnkrok and Max Pacioretty also skated before Toronto's practice. Jarnkrok hasn't played a game this season following groin and sports hernia surgery. Pacioretty hasn't been in the lineup since Jan. 18 after taking a puck to the ear.

Jarnkrok is on long-term injured reserve, though Berube said 10 days ago that they'd have a more definitive timeline on his return in two weeks. Pacioretty is a bit longer than day-to-day, Toronto's head coach said on Wednesday morning.

During Friday's practice, Bobby McMann took Knies' spot on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He's likely to remain there for the game on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.

"A similar player, right? They are different in ways, but he should be doing the same thing that Kniesy did. Getting in there on the forecheck, create loose pucks, go to the net, all the work there," Berube said. "He's done that throughout the season, so it can be a good fit."

Knies has 18 goals (a new career high) and 13 assists for 31 points in 47 games this season for Toronto.

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