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The Toronto Maple Leafs have had to weather a massive injury storm lately, but they've done so with flying colors. Despite losing their captain after a Nov. 3 loss and suffering a couple of other injuries, they're 7-1 over their last eight games and moved into first in the Atlantic Division. Reinforcements seem to be on their way, though.
Auston Matthews returns to practice
Auston Matthews was absent with an unnamed upper-body injury since Nov. 3.
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He couldn't practice, and eventually, he had to go to a specialist in Germany. Reportedly, the injury was an existing one from the preseason that the team wanted him to get past, and it appears he has.
The captain was back on the ice for practice on Tuesday. The team thought he might be able to face the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, something he might actually do now. He wore a normal sweater for practice, indicating he isn't limited right now.
Matthew Knies returns in non-contact jersey
Matthew Knies took a huge hit from Zach Whitecloud in a win over the Vegas Golden Knights last Wednesday. Initially penalized, a review reversed the decision, but Knies had to leave the game and couldn't return.
He was placed on the injured reserve with an upper-body injury, but he's back at practice in a non-contact practice jersey. This means he's still not ready to skate a regular session, but he's inching closer to a return now.
Knies had gotten on the ice with skating consultant Paul Matheson on Sunday before the team's official practice, and now he is practicing again.
Two Maple Leafs get key injury updates
Jake McCabe, a player who hasn't been injured recently but did suffer from an ailment to close out the preseason a couple of months ago, was absent from practice today. The report did not indicate why or whether or not he was in danger of missing time. He has played 21 games this year.
Max Domi won't be back on the ice as per Leafs HC Craig Berube. He will not travel with the Leafs to Florida either.
Dakota Mermis did show up at practice, though. The Maple Leafs star has not practiced fully with the team yet, but he was seen wearing a regular jersey. This indicates that he's finally limitless and could return to the team soon.
