The Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night, and once again, the lineup will look far from ideal. Toronto is expected to be without Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Dakota Joshua, and Chris Tanev, forcing the Leafs to lean heavily on their depth. Calle Järnkrok and Jacob Quillan are both expected to re-enter the lineup as the coaching staff looks for answers to their ongoing injury trouble. The Maple Leafs have battled injuries all season long, and the standings reflect it. Despite sitting just two points out of the final Wild Card spot, Toronto currently finds itself at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, a far cry from preseason expectations. The situation has worsened recently, as Chris Tanev appears set to miss extended time with a lower-body injury just two games after returning. Toronto is also still without Brandon Carlo and starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz. Stars missing, opportunity knocks William Nylander will miss his second straight game after being listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Auston Matthews, meanwhile, is a game-time decision after blocking a shot in Sunday night’s loss to the Red Wings. With so much star power missing, the Leafs will need both their veterans and younger players to step up in a major way. To have any chance against a fast, skilled Devils team, Toronto must play a complete 60-minute game and operate as a connected unit. Trusting Craig Berube’s system and committing defensively will be critical, especially with the Leafs likely spending extended time in their own zone. Who must step up Joseph Woll immediately comes to mind. Woll has been spectacular all season, and the Leafs will once again rely on him to shut the door and give them a chance to win. A strong performance from Woll can settle the group and allow the skaters to play tighter and more confidently. Matthew Knies is another key name. Knies struggled throughout December, but his recent goal could spark some momentum. Slotted alongside John Tavares, Knies has an opportunity to build chemistry and provide much-needed offence. Morgan Rielly will also need to deliver a strong outing. His focus must be on the defensive side of the puck, especially against New Jersey’s top players. Reilly has had an uneven season, but a solid performance could ease the pressure on the rest of the blue line, including Jake McCabe, Troy Stecher, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Projected Lines Against the Devils Knies-Tavares-Domi Maccelli-Laughton-McMann Cowan-Roy-Robertson Lorentz-Quillan-Jarnkrok McCabe-OEL Rielly-Myers  Benoit-Stecher  Woll (projected starter) Hildeby  With half the season still to go, the Maple Leafs are hoping for quick recoveries. Finding wins during this stretch could be the difference between chasing the playoffs and falling further behind.

The Blue Jackets sent Chinakhov to the Penguins in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and forward Danton Heinen. Chinakhov had requested a trade last summer, but Columbus was never interested in moving the young winger without meaningful value coming back. General manager Don Waddell waited patiently until the right deal presented itself, one that balanced Chinakhov’s desire for a fresh start with the organization’s long-term interests. Chinakhov's disappointing career in Columbus Drafted 21st overall in 2020, Chinakhov entered the NHL as a high-upside winger with goal-scoring ability and size. He made his NHL debut during the 2021–22 season, producing 14 points in 62 games. While the production didn’t jump off the page, the skill set was evident, and many viewed him as a long-term top-six power forward. Over the next few seasons, however, Chinakhov has struggled to take the next step. This year was especially difficult. He recorded just three goals and three assists in 27 games while averaging only 10:18 of ice time. His role diminished, and frustrations reportedly grew between him and head coach Dean Evason last season. Chinakhov made it clear he wanted out, and Columbus responded by limiting his opportunities as they searched for a trade partner. Why Toronto may have missed big The Maple Leafs were rumoured to be a team that would acquire Chinakhov, but a deal never came to life with Waddell. That decision may come back to haunt them. Toronto has struggled to generate consistent top-six offence this season outside of William Nylander, and Chinakhov would have represented a calculated gamble with real upside. Placing him alongside elite players like Auston Matthews or John Tavares could have reignited his development. Chinakhov now gets a clean slate in Pittsburgh, where he can settle into a defined role and potentially grow into a reliable two-way power forward player, something that would have fit perfectly into Craig Berube’s system in Toronto. Given how his value dipped this season, the Leafs may have been able to acquire him at a reasonable cost. Time will tell It remains to be seen what kind of player Chinakhov becomes with the Penguins, but this is one move the Maple Leafs will likely monitor closely. Toronto currently sits two points out of a playoff spot with over half the season remaining. They return to action Tuesday night, hosting the New Jersey Devils, still searching for answers and possibly regretting a missed opportunity.

In a season filled with inconsistency and uncertainty on the back end, one thing has remained constant for the Toronto Maple Leafs is Jake McCabe. Since arriving in Toronto, McCabe has quietly established himself as the team’s most reliable defenceman, trusted in every situation and tasked with the toughest assignments night after night. Jake McCabe’s path to becoming a cornerstone defenceman was anything but flashy. Drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012, McCabe quickly built a strong game at the University of Wisconsin, where his leadership qualities shone through. He captained the United States World Junior team in 2013 and played a key role in their gold medal run, posting three goals and three assists in seven games. Finding a home in Toronto McCabe transitioned to the NHL during the 2015–16 season and built a reputation as a dependable, defence-first blueliner with Buffalo before later spending two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. While productive, it wasn’t until his move to Toronto in 2023 that his game truly elevated. Since joining the Maple Leafs, McCabe has taken on a much larger role and embraced it fully. The past few seasons with the Leafs have marked career years, as he consistently logged heavy minutes against opposing top lines while having the responsibility of both the penalty kill and five-on-five play. His impact doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet, but his presence is felt in close games when defensive details matter most. The arrival of Chris Tanev only enhanced McCabe’s effectiveness, forming one of the league’s more reliable shutdown pairings. This season, with injuries testing Toronto’s depth, McCabe has been forced to carry even more responsibility, and he hasn’t slowed down. McCabe is a true "heart and soul player," something the Leafs desperately need. The anchor of the Leafs defence core While the Maple Leafs’ defence has struggled with consistency, McCabe has been the steady player holding it together. He has rotated through multiple partners, yet each pairing seems to benefit from his calm puck movement, strong positioning, and physical edge. Troy Stecher, in particular, has thrived alongside McCabe, with the duo quickly developing chemistry built on speed, simplicity, and trust. McCabe may never be a high-scoring defenceman, but he is the type of player every coach wants on the ice when protecting a lead. As the Leafs push to re-enter the playoff picture, Jake McCabe will continue to be the backbone of their blue line, dependable, unshakeable, and valuable.

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed Danton Heinen on waivers Sunday, and it could present an intriguing opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs to address their ongoing lack of depth scoring. Heinen has struggled this season in Pittsburgh, recording just one goal and one assist in 13 games, but his resume suggests there may be more to offer than his recent numbers indicate. For a Leafs team searching for a spark, adding a new face to the bottom six could be a worthwhile gamble. A low-risk opportunity on the waiver wire Heinen has proven in the past that he can be a reliable NHL contributor. Last season, split between the Penguins and Minnesota Wild, he posted 29 points, and he has a career-high 47-point campaign with the Boston Bruins. The British Columbia native has also suited up for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, carving out a reputation as a dependable two-way forward who can handle heavy minutes and play responsibly in all three zones. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all a player needs to rediscover his game. The cap hit concern for Toronto One concern for Toronto is Heinen’s cap hit, which sits just over $2 million per season. For a team already pressed tightly against the salary cap, that number could make a waiver claim difficult to justify. However, the potential upside may outweigh the risk, especially considering Heinen’s strong play in the AHL. With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he has produced six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 12 games, along with a plus-10 rating, suggesting his confidence and offensive touch may still be intact. With William Nylander potentially missing time after suffering a lower-body injury against Ottawa, head coach Craig Berube may be forced to shuffle his lines to find balance. Adding a versatile forward like Heinen could help stabilize the lineup during a critical stretch. Sitting last in the Atlantic Division, the Maple Leafs can no longer afford to stand pat. A move like this may not solve everything, but it could be the type of shake-up Toronto needs to start turning its season around.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-4 on Saturday night. During the second period, William Nylander got injured on what seemed to be a harmless play with Artem Zub behind the Senators' bench. Nylander did not return to the Maple Leafs bench for the third period. Maple Leafs dodge a bullet Craig Berube gave a positive message after the game, regarding Nylander, saying that he will travel with the Leafs to Detroit for Sunday night's matchup against the Red Wings. The Leafs are not certain if he will play Sunday, as they will wait to see how he is feeling. It's unknown how the injury occurred and what truly caused it, but the Maple Leafs could have gotten terrible news going forward, especially for a team crawling back into the playoff circle. The Swedish native missed time earlier this season with a lower-body injury. William Nylander has played a vital role for the Maple Leafs this season. He is their leading scorer with 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points. The Maple Leafs as a whole have struggled to win games, their stars haven't been performing to what they are capable of, and there have been lots of inconsistencies throughout their lineup. If Nylander is not able to play on Sunday, we could see the return of Easton Cowan in the lineup. Cowan has been scratched for the last three contests. Finding his way Nylander has struggled over December, but he looks to have found his groove once again with three goals in his last two games. Nylander was held scoreless this month until their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he found the back of the net twice. The Maple Leafs are entering a crucial stretch of their schedule as they prepare to face a heavy slate of Eastern Conference opponents. These matchups will have a direct impact on the playoff race, and any bad stretch of hockey over the next few weeks could end Toronto’s postseason hopes. With the margin for error already slim, the Leafs cannot afford to give points away to teams they are chasing in the standings. If William Nylander is forced to miss time during this stretch, the challenge becomes even harder. Losing a key offensive player in such an important stretch moment could leave the Maple Leafs without enough talent to beat the teams they are chasing. It looks as though the Maple Leafs may have dodged a bullet with Nylander's injury.

William Nylander did not return for the third period of Saturday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators after suffering a lower-body injury in the second period. The injury occurred during an awkward play behind the Senators’ net involving Artem Zub. The Maple Leafs confirmed Nylander would not return to the game; the severity of the injury remains unknown. At the time of his exit, the Maple Leafs were in control of the game, holding a 5–2 lead after two periods. Nylander was having a good game before the injury, recording a goal and skating 8:25 in ice time. His offensive presence was noticeable, and his departure immediately shifted the focus from the scoreboard to one of their star's health and what this could mean going forward. Toronto can’t afford to lose a core piece Nylander’s health is critical for a Maple Leafs team that is still fighting to get back into the playoff picture. Toronto currently sits five points out of a playoff spot with more than half the season remaining, but the margin for error is shrinking. Losing a top-six forward, especially one with Nylander’s scoring ability, would put even more pressure on an already inconsistent lineup. Nylander’s season has been inconsistent so far. He opened the year on a tear before hitting a rough patch in December. He has also found himself in the center of attention for his postgame comments, becoming a frequent topic of debate among fans and media. Despite the ups and downs, Nylander remains a key offensive contributor and one of the Leafs’ most dynamic players. What this means going forward If Nylander misses extended time, Toronto will need its depth to step up in a big way. Auston Matthews will need to drive the offence more consistently, while head coach Craig Berube may be forced to move the lines to find balance and chemistry throughout the middle six. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the Leafs face a crucial stretch of games against Eastern Conference opponents, including the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Florida Panthers. The Maple Leafs are hoping Nylander’s injury is minor and that he’ll be back before too much damage is done.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz remains out indefinitely, with head coach Craig Berube confirming there is still no clear timeline for his return. The update is disappointing news for both fans and management, especially for a team desperately searching for stability during a turbulent season. Last season with Stolarz Stolarz was arguably the Maple Leafs’ most important player last year. He led Toronto to its first Atlantic Division title in decades and played a key role in their playoff run, including the first-round victory over the Ottawa Senators. His postseason ended after suffering an injury against the Florida Panthers in the second round, but his impact on the team’s success was undeniable. This season, however, the Maple Leafs have struggled in nearly every area of their game, and the absence of Stolarz has only magnified those issues. While his numbers before the injury were not strong, posting an .884 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average across 13 games, his presence provided a sense of structure and confidence that the team now lacks. Even when Stolarz wasn’t at his best, the Leafs played with more confidence and composure in front of him. Going forward Without Stolarz, the Maple Leafs have been forced to rely heavily on Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby. While both goaltenders have had strong moments, Woll’s injury history remains a concern, and another setback could seriously derail the season. Toronto needs Stolarz back as soon as possible, but rushing him into action risks creating an even bigger problem. The Maple Leafs currently sit last in the Atlantic Division with just over half the season remaining. Despite their place in the standings, the situation is far from hopeless. Toronto is only five points out of a wild card spot, and a strong stretch of hockey could quickly put them back into the playoff race. With several crucial Atlantic Division matchups coming up, the margin for error is slim. During this stretch, the Leafs will need to lean heavily on Joseph Woll to keep them competitive and steal points where possible. Consistent goaltending could be the difference between a lost season and a late push back into the postseason picture.

The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators, and ahead of the matchup, they received some encouraging news on the injury front. Defenceman Brandon Carlo skated ahead of the team’s morning skate, marking his first appearance on the ice since undergoing foot surgery. While Carlo has not yet been cleared to return to game action, simply seeing him skating is a significant step forward for both the player and the organization. Carlo stayed on for the Leafs’ full practice, a clear indication that his recovery is progressing well. Fellow defenceman Dakota Mermis also skated before the morning session, giving Toronto another small but welcome sign of improved blue-line health. Carlo’s injury timeline Carlo has been out of the lineup since November 13th. At the time, the injury was described as a minor maintenance issue, with little concern surrounding a long-term absence. However, when the initial treatment failed to produce results, Carlo underwent foot surgery on December 3rd. That procedure immediately shifted expectations and left the Leafs without one of their more reliable defensive options during a critical stretch of the season. Head coach Craig Berube previously suggested Carlo’s recovery timeline would be roughly one month, putting his potential return sometime in the coming week. While no official return date has been announced, Saturday’s skate suggests that Carlo could be close to joining the lineup. Why Carlo’s return matters The Maple Leafs have felt Carlo’s absence. Toronto’s defensive core has struggled with consistency, and the lack of a steady, defensive-minded presence has been noticeable. Without Carlo, the Leafs have had trouble protecting leads, managing defensive-zone coverage, and limiting high-danger chances against. Carlo’s return would help stabilize a blue line that has been forced to rely heavily on patchwork pairings and inexperienced options. His size, reach, and ability to play tough minutes against top competition are traits the Leafs have sorely missed. Looking ahead Toronto currently sits last in the Atlantic Division and faces a crucial stretch of games moving forward. While one player won’t fix everything, getting Brandon Carlo back could provide the defensive structure and confidence the Leafs desperately need. With key matchups upcoming, his potential return couldn’t come at a better time.

One of hockey’s most storied rivalries returns Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators renew the Battle of Ontario. The rivalry’s latest chapter was written in last season’s playoff series, adding even more edge to an already heated matchup. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators face off for the first time this season since their playoff meeting last year, a series Toronto won 4–2. While the Leafs advanced, the matchup was far closer than many expected. Every game was tightly contested, with three going to overtime, before Toronto ultimately proved to be the better team and closed out the series. Regular season success The Ottawa Senators dominated the regular-season series, winning all three matchups and outscoring the Maple Leafs 9–3. Dating back to the 2023–24 season, Ottawa has largely had Toronto’s number in regular-season play. However, the narrative has always flipped when it matters most. In the playoffs, the Maple Leafs have owned the rivalry, holding a perfect 5–0 record in postseason series against the Senators. Two of those series went the distance, with Toronto winning decisive Game 7s in both 2002 and 2004. Hot start for the Leafs The Maple Leafs came out flying in Game 1, scoring two early goals from Oliver Ekman-Larsson and former Maple Leaf Mitch Marner. Ottawa responded with a goal from Drake Batherson, but Toronto continued to control the pace of play. The Leafs added two more goals in the second period to extend their lead, then traded goals early in the third before Toronto capped off a dominant 6–2 victory. If Game 1 was any indication of what was to come, the Maple Leafs had little trouble handling the Senators and looked firmly in control of the series from the opening night. Game 2 told a much different story. The contest was far tighter, as the Senators battled back from a 2–0 deficit with a second-period goal from Brady Tkachuk and a third-period equalizer from Adam Gaudette. That set the stage for the first overtime game of the series, with Ottawa pushing to even things up and Toronto looking to take full control at home. Early in the extra frame, Max Domi burst up the ice and ripped a wrist shot past Linus Ullmark to seal the win for Toronto. While the Maple Leafs grabbed a 2–0 series lead, the Senators controlled long stretches of play and pushed Toronto hard, making it clear this series was shaping up to be much tighter than Game 1 suggested. Commanding lead for the Leafs Game 3 was another tight contest between the two rivals. Anthony Stolarz and Linus Ullmark were sharp early, keeping the game scoreless after one period. The Senators broke through first on a power-play goal by Claude Giroux early in the second, but the Leafs responded seven minutes later with a power-play tally from Matthew Knies to tie it 1–1 heading into the third. Needing a strong start, Toronto struck just 30 seconds into the final frame as Auston Matthews snapped one past Ullmark to give the Leafs a 2–1 lead. Ottawa answered later in the period with a goal from Brady Tkachuk, forcing a second straight overtime. Overtime ended almost immediately, as Simon Benoit scored right off the faceoff to give the Maple Leafs the win and a commanding 3–0 series lead. The Senators turn the tide Heading into Game 4, the Senators knew they had to take the series one game at a time. Ottawa came out flying, scoring twice early to take a 2–0 lead before John Tavares cut the deficit late in the first. Matthew Knies tied the game 2–2 in the second period, a period where Toronto largely controlled the play. The third period tightened up, but David Perron restored Ottawa’s lead with a goal midway through the frame. The Leafs responded again, as Oliver Ekman-Larsson snapped one past Linus Ullmark to force overtime. Overtime was cautious and tense until Jake Sanderson ended it with just over three minutes remaining, lifting the Senators to a 4–3 win and keeping the series alive. Ottawa finally had hope. Down 3–1 and heading back to Toronto, Ottawa faced long odds. But the Maple Leafs delivered one of their worst performances of the season, laying an egg in a 4–0 loss. Suddenly, momentum swung to the Senators, who had cut the series to 3–2 and breathed real life back into the matchup. Doubt crept in among Leafs fans, with familiar questions resurfacing about whether this team was truly different from years past. With Ottawa surging and confidence growing, Toronto knew it would need a strong response in Game 6 to close out a Senators team riding an emotional high. The game that meant everything Heading into Game 6, the roles felt reversed. It was a must-win game for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators had clawed their way back into the series and, as the underdog, were playing with nothing to lose. The nation’s capital was buzzing, with a loud and energized crowd inside the building. Despite the pressure, it was Toronto that struck first. Auston Matthews opened the scoring on the power play to give the Leafs a 1–0 lead. Early in the second period, William Nylander doubled the advantage, making it 2–0. Ottawa responded shortly after, as Brady Tkachuk cut the deficit in half and injected life back into the Senators. The third period saw Ottawa push hard for the equalizer, and David Perron delivered, tying the game at 2–2. With tension building late in regulation, the Leafs found their moment. Max Pacioretty ripped a shot past Linus Ullmark to restore Toronto’s lead. From there, the Maple Leafs shut things down defensively, and Nylander sealed the win with an empty-net goal to close out the game. This series marked the resurgence of the Leafs-Sens rivalry, a matchup that hadn’t been competitive since the late 2010s. Currently, the Ottawa Senators sit four points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division. While the Senators may have the upper hand heading into tomorrow’s matchup, the boys in blue will be ready to fight hard and reclaim some momentum.

General manager Brad Treliving wants to be aggressive and make the Toronto Maple Leafs a better team. The Maple Leafs have struggled this season and find themselves in last place in the Atlantic Division while only sitting five points out of a spot. Although the season is not over, the Leafs have to make a decision quickly on whether they want to be a buyer or seller. With how the season has gone and the assets that they have, they could use the remainder of this season and the offseason to retool and come out better next year, but that doesn't seem to be the direction they want to go in. What the Leafs need Brad Treliving is in desperate need of a top-six forward; he has mentioned it in the past and recently. Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies have been struggling to produce with Mitch Marner, and William Nylander has been extremely inconsistent over the middle stages of the season. The stars have not played as well as they have in the past, which has led to where the Maple Leafs currently sit. One player that Treliving could try to acquire is Jonathan Marchessault. Marchessault has struggled since he signed with the Nashville Predators just two offseasons ago. The 34-year old carries a cap hit of $5.5M until 2029. For this trade to be possible and worth it for the Leafs, the Predators will have to eat some of Marchessault's contract. How can he bounce back? In 28 games this season, he has seven goals and three assists, with a -18 rating. These stats don't scream someone who could benefit the Maple Leafs top-six. But when you look deeper into Marchessault, this could be something the Leafs should look at. Just two seasons ago, during the 2023-24 campaign, Marchessault scored 42 goals for the Vegas Golden Knights. Marchessault is a very productive high-scoring winger went put in good situations like Vegas. If Marchessault can play big minutes with Matthews and Knies, we could see the return of Johnathan Marchessault. To acquire a player of the likes of Marchessault, the Leafs will likely need to wait for his price to drop and acquire him during the Trade Deadline or just before. The Predators could very well be asking for a very unreasonable price at this stage of the season. The Maple Leafs will likely have to send Max Domi the other way, along with a prospect or pick. For the Maple Leafs that don't have a lot of either, they will have to be smart with the assets they give up. Big decisions ahead Jonathan Marchessault is an intriguing player and could be worth the risk for the Leafs to jump on. Marchessault provides speed and skill with veteran Stanley Cup leadership. He unfortunately did not turn out the way that the Predators had hoped, but that doesn't mean he can't return to how he used to be somewhere else.