With the Toronto Maple Leafs set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, they may have to do so with three notable names still missing from the lineup.
Injured forwards Auston Matthews, Nicolas Roy and Matthew Knies donned grey jerseys at Maple Leafs practice Tuesday, identifying them as extra players.
Head coach Craig Berube said Monday the three are close to returning, but that their status would be determined closer to Wednesday.
"Knies, Matthews and Roy all practiced today," Berube said. "Looked good, they finished practice, but still gotta see about tomorrow. So that's where they're at, but it was good that they were out there and finished practice, went through all the drills."
Matthews has been sidelined since Nov. 11 after suffering a lower-body injury against the Boston Bruins. The 28-year-old, who has 14 points, was limited to 33 goals in 67 games last season as he dealt with a persistent upper-body injury.
Knies has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury. The 23-year-old had five goals and 17 assists while playing all 22 games before his absence.
Roy has also missed the last three games with an upper-body injury sustained in the team's 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 15.
Meanwhile, defenceman Jake McCabe returned to practice Tuesday after Berube said Monday he is expected to play against Columbus.
McCabe exited Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens late in the second period after a shot rode up his stick and struck him in the face. He was seen favouring his jaw afterward.
