Sheldon Keefe reveals why he promoted Matthew Knies

The Toronto Maple Leafs rolled out a few new lineup combinations for their last game against the Chicago Blackhawks, which would eventually turn out to be the first loss of the season.

But it was prior to the game that fans noticed a few notable switches, which included moving the newly acquired Max Domi down in the lineup while promoting rookie Matthew Knies into the top-six. Ahead of tonight's game against the Florida Panthers, Knies remained in place on the second line skating with John Tavares and William Nylander.

"I think Knies has actually played well," head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "I've just kind of lost him a little bit on [the 3rd] line and he's got more to offer us... Knies' minutes are too low as well. It makes perfect sense for us to give it (Jarnkrok on the third line) a try."

Domi is currently situated on the 3rd line along with Calle Jarnkrok and rookie Fraser Minten.

"That’s part of it but it’s also Knies. Knies minutes are too low as well," Keefe acknowledged. "It makes perfect sense for us to give it (Jarnkrok on the third line) a try.

Meanwhile, Tavares remains impressed with the poise that Knies has shown so far in his young career, which included suiting up in the postseason last spring for the Leafs.

"It’s just amazing how physically mature and dominant he can be at his age. He still hasn’t played 10 games yet," Tavares said. "You can see his ability to make a play. Soft hands. We obviously think very highly of him here and he has tremendous potential."

The Leafs take on the Panthers tonight from the newly-named Amerant Bank Arena starting at 7:00 PM EST.

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