Toronto Maple Leafs fans received tough news today regarding goaltender Anthony Stolarz. The veteran netminder, who signed a four-year, $15 million extension (3.75M AAV) this summer, is once again dealing with an injury setback. Stolarz emerged as the Leafs’ No. 1 goalie last season before going down against the Florida Panthers in the playoffs. In the 2024–25 campaign, he appeared in 34 games and posted a 21-8-3 record with an impressive .926 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average. Stolarz has not played with the Leafs since November 11th against the Bruins. Early-season struggles This season, Stolarz never found his rhythm with the Maple Leafs. In 13 appearances, he posted an .884 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average, a big drop from last year’s breakout performance. With Joseph Woll missing the early part of the season for personal reasons, Stolarz was forced into a heavier workload, and it showed as the Minnesota native struggled to carry the crease. Once the Maple Leafs got Joseph Woll back into the lineup, everything shifted. The team instantly looked more confident and structured, resembling the group that captured the Atlantic Division just a season ago. Woll brought stability to the crease, settled the defence down, and gave Toronto the type of reliable goaltending they had been missing during the early stretch of the season. But when Woll went down again, fans understandably grew anxious, worried that the Leafs would slip back into the inconsistency that plagued them earlier in the year. Instead, Dennis Hildeby answered the call. The young Swedish netminder stepped in and delivered calm, composed performances, showing the poise of a goaltender far beyond his experience. After developing steadily in the AHL with the Marlies, Hildeby now looks like he has taken a real step toward becoming a full-time NHL goaltender and potentially a true No. 1 option for the Leafs moving forward. Where the Leafs go from here The Maple Leafs find themselves in a mix of good and bad situations in goal. The bad news is significant: Toronto’s established NHL netminders are dealing with injuries, and Anthony Stolarz has no clear timeline to return, if he returns at all this season. Even when he was available, Stolarz did not look like himself, and for the Leafs to make a deep playoff run, they will need their goaltending to steal games at key moments. The good news offers some relief. Joseph Woll is nearing a return to NHL action, and the Leafs are hopeful he can pick up where he left off and continue the strong play he showed earlier this season. In the meantime, Dennis Hildeby has been outstanding, keeping Toronto competitive night after night and, at times, outright taking over games. His emergence has provided much-needed stability and optimism as the Leafs navigate an uncertain situation in the crease.

Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours with the crew here at Last Word on Hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to shake up their roster and improve their forward core. Brad Treliving’s off-season acquisitions have not been playing to their potential or as the Leafs expected. Matias Maccelli is a player who has completely flopped for the Leafs. The Finnish native was expected to slot into the top 6 on a line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies . He did not fit well on the line and hasn’t formed chemistry with any line in the Leafs’ forward group. NHL Rumours: Bruins Interested in Maccelli   Rumour: From recent 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas discussed Matias Maccelli’s future with the Maple Leafs. Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the Bruins have expressed interest in Matias Maccelli last summer when he was available.  Analysis:  Maccelli did not work out for the Maple Leafs, and Brad Treliving is looking to move on from his cap hit, and free a roster spot. The Bruins have had a strong season so far, siting third in the Atlantic Division with a 19-13-0 record. General manager Cam Neely could be looking to add more depth scoring and firepower to the lineup. Maccelli’s Tenure with the Leafs Maccelli was given a golden opportunity in Toronto this season when he was traded from the Mammoth. The Leafs saw a skilled forward who has had success in the NHL. During the 2022-23 campaign, Maccelli put up 49 points in 64 games. In 2023-24, Maccelli improved his numbers by tallying 57 points in 82 games. He struggled last season with Utah, and it seems to have gotten worse in Toronto. This season with the Leafs, he has produced 4 goals and 9 points in 22 games for a player projected to be in the top 6; those numbers do not cut it. Berube does not see fit with him in the Leafs’ lineup, and Maccelli has been a healthy scratch in games as of late. Berube has been upfront about Maccelli’s play and how he feels about him going forward. “We put him in the Washington game, and there wasn’t a lot there… I thought he struggled.”  Why it Makes Sense This would be a deal that makes sense for both squads. The Leafs who currently sit sixth in the Atlantic Division are looking to shake up their roster, while they have been playing better as of late this team is not good enough to make it over the hump. With Matias Maccelli moving from the roster the Leafs could look to add some draft capital which they are deeply lacking. Moving on from Maccelli would also clear up some cap space the Leafs could need to add a top 6 forward. He is the final season of his contract which he makes $3.425M per season. The Leafs have just over $3M in cap space moving Maccelli would put them close to $7M. For a Bruins team that has looked solid this year, making a move for Maccelli would be very low risk. The Bruins would not need to give up much to acquire Maccelli likely a third or fourth round pick. Maccelli does not fit in Berube’s game which has costed him ice time. Marco Sturm could use Maccelli in other ways that could benefit both sides of the party. Maccelli could fit on either the second or third line with players such as: David Pastrnak , Fraser Minten , Pavel Zacha , or Casey Mittelstadt . The Deal That Needs to Happen In the end, a trade involving Matias Maccelli could be a win-win for both the Maple Leafs and the Bruins. Toronto clears cap space, creates a roster spot, and potentially gains draft assets to bolster their forward depth, while Boston adds a skilled player who could complement their middle-six forward group. For Maccelli, a fresh start in a new system may be exactly what he needs to regain his scoring touch and confidence.

The Maple Leafs have received good news on the injury front as Joseph Woll could return very soon. Woll may return to the Leafs' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Joseph Woll believes that he has been progressing well, and his body has been feeling better every day. Woll has been out of the lineup after being sidelined with a lower-body injury on December 4th in a 5-1 win against the Hurricanes. New air in the locker room The Maple Leafs should breathe a sigh of relief to have Woll back in the lineup. Joseph Woll was eligible for return Saturday night but was not quite ready. Dennis Hildeby has played very well for the Leafs and has been the backbone of their recent success. Bringing Woll back in the lineup will solidify their goaltending and breathe new air in the locker room. Hildeby, in 11 contests with the Leafs, has posted a .923 save percentage with a 2.72 goals against average. Hildeby has been backed up by Artur Akhtyamov in Woll's absence. When Woll returned to their lineup after his leave of absence, the Maple Leafs instantly played better and looked like the team that won the Atlantic Division in the 2025 season. In the 2025-26 campaign, the Missouri native has a .928 save percentage and a 2.44 goals against average. Joseph Woll has praised Dennis Hildeby for his play and for carrying the workload in his absence. Goalie situation going forward The Maple Leafs will have decisions to make going forward with their goaltending. With Anthony Stolarz out long-term, it is possible that the Leafs could try to acquire goaltending stability beyond Woll and Hildeby. Both goalies have been strong, but with Woll being injury-prone, the Maple Leafs do not want to rely solely on Hildeby to be their netminder. The Maple Leafs will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night, which will be the next opportunity for Woll to make his return.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were greatly outplayed by the Edmonton Oilers in a 6-3 defeat on Saturday night. Edmonton’s stars dominated from start to finish, with Connor McDavid recording two goals and an assist for three points, while Leon Draisaitl added three assists of his own. On the other side, Toronto’s top players were nearly invisible, struggling to generate momentum or match the Oilers’ pace. What used to be a battle of Matthews versus McDavid has now shifted into a more lopsided matchup: McDavid versus the entire Leafs roster. Who is Craig Berube talking about? Auston Matthews has struggled to reach the level of his 69-goal season just two years ago. His shot velocity has dipped, and he hasn’t looked like the elite scorer he once was. Injuries over the past two campaigns have clearly taken a toll, and there’s little indication he’s fully back to form. Matthews can't seem to take over the game anymore like years past. This season, Matthews has 21 points in 26 games, putting him on pace for his lowest total since his rookie year in 2016–17. Is it the absence of Mitch Marner, lingering injuries, or a combination of both weighing him down? Another player who may have drawn Berube’s frustration is defenseman Morgan Rielly. While he has been a key contributor offensively, Rielly has occasionally made costly defensive errors that can frustrate a coach focused on structure and consistency. That said, his overall performance this season has been a noticeable improvement over last year, and he has been a driving force in generating offence for the team. Whether Berube’s comments were aimed at him or someone else, it’s clear the Maple Leafs need their leaders and especially their captain to elevate their game if the team hopes to stay competitive. William Nylander also struggled on Saturday, but, understandably, he was playing through an illness and clearly not at full strength. The bigger concern may be John Tavares. After a strong start to the season with 27 points in his first 21 games, Tavares has managed just three points over his last nine contests. His defensive play has also slipped slightly; while he continues to win face-offs, it hasn’t translated into meaningful impact on games. Of all the Leafs’ leaders, Tavares can change the course of a game, and it’s becoming increasingly urgent for him to start doing so again. What the Leafs need to do next Going forward, the Maple Leafs need their leaders to step up on both ends of the ice. Auston Matthews and William Nylander must regain their scoring touch, while John Tavares needs to make a bigger impact offensively and defensively. Morgan Rielly must stay focused and minimize mistakes in key moments, and the younger players on the roster need to support the veterans with energy and smart play. The coaching staff should consider adjusting line combinations to spark chemistry and rely on a strong defensive structure to keep the team competitive. Ultimately, Toronto’s success will depend on its top players finding consistency and leading by example, both in the regular season and as the playoffs approach.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is set to return to the lineup Saturday night when the Maple Leafs take on the Edmonton Oilers, easing concerns after his scary exit earlier in the week. The veteran defenceman had been dealing with a leg injury that initially appeared serious after he needed assistance leaving the ice during Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. At the time, there was real uncertainty surrounding how long Toronto might be without one of its most reliable blue-liners. Ekman-Larsson cleared to play following full participation in morning skate Those worries were put to rest Saturday morning. Ekman-Larsson told reporters that his leg had improved significantly since Thursday and confirmed he would be good to go against Edmonton. His status was further reinforced when he took part fully in the Leafs’ morning skate, showing no visible limitations. For a team that has leaned heavily on its defence through a demanding stretch of the schedule, his availability is a welcome boost. Ekman-Larsson’s return is particularly important given the role he has carried out this season. Through 30 appearances, the 32-year-old has become one of Toronto’s most dependable all-around defenseman. He has recorded four goals and 16 assists while contributing in less glamorous areas of the game, adding 40 hits and 26 blocked shots. His ability to move the puck, stabilize the second pair, and handle tough defensive assignments has made him a strong fit within Craig Berube’s system. Leafs avoid setback as steady defenceman returns to lineup Beyond the stats, Ekman-Larsson brings a veteran presence to the back end. His experience shows in tight games, especially against high-skilled opponents like the Oilers, where positioning and decision-making are critical. Toronto will likely need that steadiness against an Edmonton team capable of flipping momentum quickly with its speed and star power. What initially looked like a potentially lengthy absence has instead turned into a short scare, and the Leafs fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Having Ekman-Larsson healthy and available keeps their defensive structure intact and avoids forcing lineup adjustments at a crucial point in the season. As Toronto looks to build consistency and bank points, getting a key contributor back in the lineup could make a meaningful difference moving forward.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had to dip into injured reserve today, and it’s a big one. Victor Hedman is set to miss significant time after undergoing elbow surgery, with his return expected sometime around February. For one of the NHL’s most dominant defencemen over the last decade, it’s another unfortunate pause in an otherwise elite career. Hedman’s Injury and the Bigger Picture What stands out is the timing. Hedman’s recovery window lines up almost exactly with the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Even in a worst-case scenario, he should still be in a position to suit up for the knockout rounds. That’s huge for Sweden. Hedman remains a true difference-maker when healthy, and while players like Gustav Forsling and Rasmus Dahlin give Sweden high-end options on the back end, tournaments against teams like Canada and the U.S. require more than just one top pair. The depth of elite talent is what separates contenders. For years, Hedman has lived among the NHL’s defensive elite. His blend of size, smooth skating, physicality, and offensive instincts has made him a matchup nightmare. Still, injuries have chipped away at his availability at different points, and this latest setback is another example of how unforgiving a long NHL career can be. What Tampa Bay Loses Without Him At his peak, Hedman was the standard. He captured the Norris Trophy in 2018 and was a cornerstone during Tampa Bay’s back-to-back Stanley Cup runs, running the power play and logging massive minutes. Across 17 NHL seasons, he’s piled up 171 goals, 806 points, and over 1,100 games played, all while averaging more than 23 minutes a night. That workload speaks for itself. His absence will be noticeable, especially alongside J.J. Moser. In limited action together, the pair has controlled play effectively, posting a 58.2 percent expected goals rate. That said, Tampa may already have a workable alternative. Moser and Darren Raddysh have quietly been excellent, owning a 62.8 xGoals percentage over a larger sample. Losing Hedman hurts; there’s no way around it. But the Lightning seem to have options in place to steady the blue line until their franchise defenceman is back on the ice.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have dodged a bullet with defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Ekman-Larsson got injured during the third period of Thursday night’s loss against the Sharks. The Leafs have had no shortage of injuries this season, with shutdown defenceman Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev both injured. The Swedish native's injury appeared very serious. However, as we are here to say, the Leafs may have dodged a bullet. Severity of the Injury According to Darren Dreger, OEL may play in tonight’s game against the Oilers, depending on how he feels in the morning. The thirty-four-year-old has had a great season with the Maple Leafs, filling in on the top pair with Morgan Rielly. Ekman-Larsson has been Toronto’s most reliable defenceman this season. He has been a standout player. When the defence core was struggling, Berube would often rely on OEL to take on heavy minutes. In 30 games this season, he has registered four goals and sixteen assists for 20 points. If the Leafs were to lose Ekman-Larsson for a period of time, it would be a big blow. The Leafs would need a depth defenceman to play crucial minutes against teams’ best players. Hopefully, he is ready to play in tomorrow night’s contest against the Oilers. If he is not ready to go, Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe will likely be the team’s top pair. Troy Strecher has been a great addition to the Maple Leafs after being picked up on waivers. He has been the most beneficial pickup by general manager Brad Treliving over the course of the start of the season and the off-season. The Leafs will also need him to continue playing at the level he’s shown. We could also see Philippe Myers back into the lineup, as well Henry Thrun stay in the lineup for Saturday’s game. Mystery Behind Tanev and Carlo There seems to be a mystery behind the Maple Leafs' injury to Chris Tanev. It was recently revealed that Brandon Carlo had foot surgery and is listed week-to-week. Carlo hasn’t played since November 13th against the Los Angeles Kings. The Leafs acquired Carlo during last year’s trade deadline from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Fraser Minten and a 2026 first-round pick. At the time, this deal felt like a huge win for the Maple Leafs, but he struggled to fit in early, and this recent injury looks to set him back some more. On December 3rd, Craig Berube confirmed that he underwent surgery. In contrast, we still don’t know the cause of the injury. Chris Tanev returned to full Leafs practice early in the week. Fans began to feel optimistic. The injury has made another turn. Craig Berube finally spoke more about the injury, mentioning that “ He’s getting a second opinion, which we’ll get here soon, hopefully, and then we’ll go from there . ” The status of the injury has not been confirmed, and we can assume that the results were not inconclusive or what the Leafs wanted to see. The Maple Leafs don’t believe surgery will be needed. However, there was a conversation about going down that road. If Tanev and Carlo continue to miss long periods of time for the Maple Leafs, it could prove to be costly. The Leafs have survived as of late, but missing over half the season will not work in the Leafs’ favour. The Maple Leafs will play in an all-Canadian clash on Hockey Night in Canada against the Edmonton Oilers tonight.

Losing Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a significant setback for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He exited Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks with a lower-body injury and did not return. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed the team will re-evaluate him, but there’s no clear timeline for his return yet. Ekman-Larsson has been one of Toronto’s most relied-on defensemen, often playing big minutes and contributing offensively. With other key defenders already sidelined, the Leafs must adjust quickly to stay competitive. Lean on Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe Early and Often Without Ekman-Larsson, Morgan Rielly must carry even more of the workload. Rielly already sees top-pair minutes and drives a lot of the Leafs’ transition game. His ability to move the puck and break pressure will be crucial in limiting extended defensive zone time. Jake McCabe, if he’s available, also becomes essential. McCabe has missed time due to an upper-body injury but remains a steady presence on the blue line. The Leafs need both veterans handling tougher minutes and managing matchups against the league’s top forwards. Consistency from Rielly and McCabe will help offset OEL’s absence on both the power play and penalty kill. Get Better Depth Contributions from the Bottom Pair This season’s injuries have already tested Toronto’s depth. With Ekman-Larsson out, the Leafs must lean on defenders like Philippe Myers, Dakota Mermis (if healthy), and Henry Thrun. These players don’t need to be offensive catalysts. Their job is simple: make clean breakout passes, limit turnovers, and stay physical in their own end. Berube’s system thrives on structure and smart, low-risk decisions. Depth defensemen must play error-free hockey, hold their positioning, and avoid risky passes that lead to odd-man rushes. If the bottom pair can handle these responsibilities, it eases pressure on the top four and keeps the team stable. Forwards Must Help in Transition and Defensive Support Without Ekman-Larsson’s mobility and physicality, the forwards must chip in more on the defensive side. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies need to backcheck hard, support the puck carriers, and limit time and space for opposing defenders. Quick transitions out of the defensive zone will be key to preventing extended pressure and helping the blue line recover. Winning puck battles along the wall and winning foot races to loose pucks will reduce strain on Toronto’s defence. When the forwards simplify their game and win possession battles, it frees up the defence to focus more on structure and less on scrambling to recover. Goalie Stability Is More Important Than Ever With top defenders out, goaltending performance becomes even more critical. Joseph Woll is expected to miss roughly a week with a lower-body injury, while Anthony Stolarz remains sidelined, and Dennis Hildeby has seen NHL action recently. Hildeby and other depth netminders must make saves that give the Leafs a chance when the defence gets stretched. Strong goaltending helps mask defensive lapses that may occur without Ekman-Larsson’s experience and positioning on the blue line. Final thought: System Over Star Ekman-Larsson’s injury is a blow, but the Leafs can absorb it if they tighten up their system. Strong defensive structure, contributions from depth players, active forwards in zone exits, and reliable goaltending will help Toronto stay competitive while searching for answers on the blue line.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made what looked like a small roster move this week, but for Henry Thrun, it’s a huge opportunity. With Dakota Mermis placed on injured reserve after suffering a lower-body injury, the Leafs called up Thrun from the Toronto Marlies. The move may seem routine, but it opens the door for the 22-year-old to prove he belongs at the NHL level. Thrun fits Craig Berube’s defensive expectations better than many realize, and this call-up gives him a real chance to show he can handle the pace, physicality, and demands of the Leafs’ system. Thrun has looked sharp with the Marlies, putting up three goals and six assists in 19 games while logging important minutes in every situation. He came to Toronto in an under-the-radar offseason trade that sent Ryan Reaves to San Jose, and while the move didn’t grab headlines at the time, it’s proving valuable now. With Mermis out and Chris Tanev only recently returning to full practice, the Leafs need a defender who can step in and play stable, mistake-free hockey. Thrun brings exactly that. He isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable, calm, and strong positionally. That’s the type of player Berube can trust to handle limited minutes without hurting the team. A perfect match for Berube’s defensive system Berube’s blueprint is simple: structure first, simple exits, quick decisions, limited risks. Thrun fits that style naturally. He doesn’t force plays, he handles pressure well, and he makes smart first passes that help the Leafs escape their zone cleanly. His game grew in college at Harvard, where he played big minutes and learned to manage tough defensive matchups, and he’s carried that composure into the pros. He reads plays well, closes gaps quickly, and avoids gambling at the blue line, traits that make him a seamless fit in Berube’s defensive scheme. The Leafs don’t need Thrun to produce offence. They need predictability, poise, and consistency, and he brings all three. A timely opportunity for Thrun This call-up comes at the perfect moment. The Leafs have dealt with injuries on the blue line all season, forcing different pairings and putting extra pressure on depth defenders. With the lineup constantly shifting, Toronto has room for a player like Thrun to earn the coaching staff’s trust. Even when Mermis returns, a strong performance could keep Thrun in the rotation or position him as the first call-up when injuries hit again. He also brings valuable size at 6’2”, 190 pounds. While he isn’t a heavy hitter, he uses his body well to box out around the net, protect pucks, and win small battles that matter more than flashy plays. Those details help stabilize a third pairing that has struggled at times this year. The Leafs don’t need Henry Thrun to change games. They need him to be steady, calm, and dependable. If he moves the puck quickly, limits mistakes, and holds his ground defensively, he’ll earn trust fast. For a young defenseman, that’s the pathway to sticking in the NHL. This moment may look small in the grand picture of the season, but for Thrun, it could be the start of something much bigger. With opportunity in front of him and a system he fits naturally, this is his best chance yet to prove he belongs with the Maple Leafs.

T he Toronto Maple Leafs have had a whirlwind 72 hours, or so. Forward Bobby McMann was suspended one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand during Monday night’s 2-0 win. The NHL announced the suspension on Tuesday, and rules him out tonight versus the San Jose Sharks . Furthermore, defenceman Dakota Mermis also suffered a lower-body injury on the same play. He has been placed on injured reserve, leaving the Leafs to shuffle their roster. Maple Leafs News Starting with Bobby McMann’s Suspension This marks McMann’s first NHL suspension. He will forfeit $7,031.25 to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The good news for Toronto is that he misses only one game. McMann will sit out Thursday’s matchup. but is expected back for Saturday’s contest. McMann has been a key contributor this season. In 29 games, he has eight goals and six assists, averaging 14:18 of ice time. Over his last five games, he recorded six points, including three goals. His line with Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua has generated scoring chances and momentum. Losing him, even for a single game, forces Toronto to adjust its bottom-six lineup. Head coach Craig Berube will likely need to shuffle lines to maintain balance and scoring depth. Injury Updates Chris Tanev has returned to regular practice, which is encouraging for Toronto’s defence. Brandon Carlo will likely undergo surgery, though the team has not provided a timeline. Goaltenders Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz remain sidelined, leaving Dennis Hildeby to continue his strong play. Hildeby posted a shutout against Tampa Bay and looks poised to keep the team competitive in net. Mermis remains sidelined with no immediate timetable for his return. The Leafs have called up Henry Thrun from the Toronto Marlies to fill the gap. Mermis averaged 13:01 of ice time in 11 games this season. Across 89 NHL career games with Toronto, Arizona, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Utah, he has five goals and nine assists. This season, he scored once for Toronto. Thrun, acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the Ryan Reaves trade, has three goals and six assists in 19 games with the Marlies. He provides defensive depth and a potential boost on special teams. Adjusting the Lineup What the news with McMann out mwans for the Maple Leafs is that Nicholas Robertson is likely to take his spot on the third line. The absence of McMann could reduce depth scoring, forcing the Leafs’ top-six stars, Auston Matthews , William Nylander , John Tavares , and Matthew Knies , to shoulder more offensive responsibility. The lineup shuffle will test the team’s ability to maintain momentum and chemistry, especially in a stretch with several tough matchups ahead. Looking Ahead Toronto aims to continue its strong run against the Sharks on Thursday. The Maple Leafs have earned points in their last five games, with the only recent loss coming against the Montreal Canadiens. Recent victories include a 7-2 domination of the Pittsburgh Penguins , a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, a 4-1 victory against the Florida Panthers, and Monday’s 2-0 shutout over Tampa Bay. Toronto must balance roster challenges with consistent offensive output. Maintaining depth scoring and strong goaltending will be key. If the top-six forwar ds continue their hot play and the lineup adjusts smoothly, the Leafs have a solid chance to extend their winning streak and remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference.