The Toronto Maple Leafs may be close to getting back to full strength in the crease.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz was assigned to the AHL Marlies on a conditioning loan, the team announced Tuesday.
However, there is no timeline for his return to the Maple Leafs, head coach Craig Berube told reporters after practice.
Meanwhile, Matthew Knies and Troy Stecher are both expected to play Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT), despite missing practice.
Knies, who was a game-time decision Monday against the Minnesota Wild before drawing into the lineup, is "feeling better," per Berube.
Another key injured forward in William Nylander is rehabbing his groin injury off ice. It remains unclear when the 29-year-old may strap his skates back on, per Berube.
Stolarz has been sidelined since Nov. 11 with an upper-body injury, spending the past 32 games on the injured reserve list.
The 32-year-old revealed Friday he has been dealing with a nerve issue.
Before injury, Stolarz struggled to an .884 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average through 13 games.
Upon his return, Stolarz is expected to split time in the net with Joseph Woll.
Knies' 41 points puts him fourth on the Leafs this season. He is second on the team for assists (29) and fifth in goals (12).
Call-up Jacob Quillan skated in Knies' second-line spot alongside John Tavares and Matias Maccelli in his absence.
Nylander was injured in Thursday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Swede, who was named to his country's Olympic team, leads the Leafs with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists), despite playing just 37 games.
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