It was an eventful practice at the Ford Performance Centre, as the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube reshuffled his lines, and barked out an emphasis on a low-to-high structure, with better puck movement and exits throughout Friday’s practice session.

Matthew Knies and Brandon Carlo were both granted maintenance days but are available for Saturday’s game, Leafs PR confirmed.

Joseph Woll appears ready to return to NHL action, after two appearances with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Woll was activated by the Maple Leafs on Friday, sending Artur Akhtyamov back to the Marlies. Easton Cowan was called up to the Leafs, and participated on the third line with Sammy Blais and Nicolas Roy during Friday’s practice. Scott Laughton skated in a red non-contact jersey, getting some reps with Robertson and Nylander.

“I don’t think I necessarily had a game circled for my return here, but I think my plan was to play those games (with) the Marlies and to rejoin the team today and, you know, I’m ready to go,” Woll said following Friday’s practice.

Berube did not confirm a starter for Saturday’s game, but has been impressed with Woll’s preparation, as he works his way back into game shape.

“He’s the same old Joe to me in practice,” Berube said of Woll on Friday. “I like what I see, he’s a hard worker. He looks good. He went down and played a couple of games with the Marlies, which is good, getting game action. He seems normal to me and ready to go.”

Berube did not provide updates on Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz or Chris Tanev. Matthews was placed on injured reserve retroactive to November 11 on Friday, meaning he’ll miss the next two games as a result.

*Knies and Carlo granted maintenance days on Friday