John Tavares & Matthew Knies Give the Maple Leafs Some Major Updates at Practice

John Tavares was injured at practice a couple of weeks ago and it has forced him into a month's long rehab progress that is cutting into the team's ability to generate offense.

Meanwhile, Knies suffered an upper-body injury just a couple of games ago and fans have been hoping for him to return to the top line sooner rather than later.

With the Leafs on a two-game losing streak, it has become clearer than ever before that Tavares and Knies are extremely necessary for this team's success.

When they are not in the lineup, the offense falters, and the longer they are out, the longer this problem is going to persist.

Thankfully, the two are making solid progress. According to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, both players were at practice today where grey jerseys which means they are "extras."

Tavares has been having an amazing season for his age as he has 20 goals and 42 points in 44 games.

Meanwhile, Knies has been great on the top line with his 18 goals and 31 points.

Overall, these are two guys who are very proud of their standing on the Maple Leafs, and we can only hope that they are going to be back in the lineup soon.

Based on comments made by Craig Berube, we could see Tavares become a full participant at practice by Friday this week.

As for Knies, it is likely that he will return by the weekend when the Leafs take on the Edmonton Oilers.

The team will play the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, although there is no telling whether or not Knies will be ready for that.