Knies set for first game against Maple Leafs since trade

For the first time since his Sept. 28 trade, Matthew Knies will line up against the Toronto Maple Leafs when the Columbus Blue Jackets host his former club on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET.

Columbus coach Rick Bowness also wants to give Knies more work on the penalty kill to increase his ice time, according to a Sportsnet interview published Tuesday.

Knies has two goals and two assists in seven games for Columbus. Three of those points came in his Blue Jackets debut against Buffalo on Oct. 1, when he scored twice and added an assist. His other point was an assist against Utah on Oct. 3, according to Columbus's game preview.

The winger finished his last season in Toronto with 66 points in 79 games in 2025-26, made up of 23 goals and 43 assists.

Toronto enters Tuesday at 4-4-2 after beating San Jose 3-1 on Monday to end a three-game losing streak. Columbus is 3-4-0.

Bowness said defenceman Dante Fabbro has been cleared to take part fully in practice, NHL.com reported Tuesday. Fabbro has not played this season.

The Blue Jackets list CBJHN, Prime Video and Fubo among their viewing options for Tuesday's game.