The Toronto Maple Leafs Injury List Keeps Getting Longer

The Toronto Maple Leafs received another blow on Tuesday as forward Nicolas Roy was placed on injured reserve. The 27-year-old centre suffered an upper-body injury during practice. Moreover, this means adding yet another key absence to an already battered roster. He now joins a crowded IR list that includes Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz, Chris Tanev, Scott Laughton, and Brandon Carlo. For a team already struggling to stay afloat, Roy’s loss compounds the lineup instability the Leafs have been fighting through for weeks. As of now, there is no official timeline for Roy’s return, and the Leafs will need to navigate yet another critical hole down the middle.

Nicolas Roy’s Recent Play and Rising Role

Roy was coming off one of his strongest performances of the season, logging a season-high 19:45 of ice time in Saturday’s tight 3–2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. His usage has steadily increased as Toronto has dealt with significant injuries throughout the lineup, especially at centre.

Not only has Roy been relied on as a steady two-way presence, but he has also been a key contributor on the penalty kill and in late-game defensive situations. Losing him removes one of the Leafs’ most reliable depth options at a time when reliability is scarce.

In response to Roy’s injury, the Maple Leafs have recalled Jacob Quillan from the Toronto Marlies. In 14 AHL games this season, Quillan has produced two goals and 12 assists for 14 points. With this effort, he is showcasing playmaking potential and strong transition abilities. He also appeared in one NHL game last season, giving the Leafs some familiarity with his game as he steps into a large opportunity.

What Roy’s Absence vs Blues Means for the Lineup

With Roy sidelined, Toronto’s lineup will once again enter what can only be described as “blender mode.” The Leafs are missing multiple key contributors. Furthermore, head coach Craig Berube will need to find combinations that can generate chemistry on short notice.

One of the biggest challenges created by Roy’s absence is the sudden lack of a dependable third-line centre. That role is likely to fall to Jacob Quillan. His two-way instincts and passing ability make him a natural fit. He is expected to centre a line with Bobby McMann and Matias Maccelli, two players who can benefit from Quillan’s puck distribution.

Additionally, Roy’s penalty killing responsibilities will need to be redistributed. Expect players like Steven Lorentz, Calle Järnkrok, and William Nylander to take on expanded special teams roles. Toronto’s PK has struggled at times this season, and losing Roy only increases the pressure on an already depleted unit.

Facing a physical St. Louis Blues team, the Leafs will need their remaining centres to be sharp defensively. They will need to remember to be disciplined with puck management.

Projected Maple Leafs Lines 

Forwards

Robertson – Tavares – Nylander

Knies – Domi – Cowan

Maccelli – Quillian – McMann

Joshua – Lorentz – Järnkrok

Defence

Rielly – OEL

Benoit – McCabe

Mermis – Stecher

Goaltenders Woll

Hildeby

Final Thoughts

The Maple Leafs are entering one of their most challenging stretches of the season, and losing Nicolas Roy only deepens the adversity they face. With another key player out, Toronto will need to rely heavily on call-ups, depth pieces, and strong goaltending to stay competitive.

Nicolas Roy is out in the matchup of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs the St. Louis Blues. It is sure to test the Leafs’ resilience and offer players like Jacob Quillan a golden opportunity to prove they belong at the NHL level.