Maple Leafs News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Morgan Rielly • D • Maple Leafs

Morgan Rielly Sustains Lower-Body Injury Versus Canadiens

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (lower body) is questionable for Sunday's action against New Jersey after being hurt in Saturday's loss to Montreal. He sustained a lower-body injury in the contest, logging just 5:45 of ice time. Rielly has been hot recently, boasting eight games in his last eight outings. He's second on his team with 12 assists this season, but Rielly hasn't yet lit the lamp in 18 games. Toronto will likely turn to Dakota Mermis if Rielly needs to be replaced on Sunday. At the same time, Oliver Ekman-Larsson could take on more of the workload.

6 hours ago

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Set to Return Saturday

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (lower body) is expected to play Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens, Dave McCarthy of NHL.com reports. Tavares has missed nine games with a lower-body injury. Nicholas Paul has filled in for Tavares as the second-line center, but it looks like the two will be linemates in Saturday's game. Paul and Tavares skated alongside William Nylander on the second line during Friday's practice. Before injury struck, Tavares was enjoying a fruitful spell, picking up seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games.

Yesterday

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Upgraded to Day-to-Day

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (lower body) was upgraded to day-to-day on Tuesday. He will miss a ninth straight game on Tuesday against Utah, but the veteran star is nearing his return. Tavares was hot at the start of the season, posting seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games. In his absence, Nicholas Paul has handled the second-line center duties, but he's been a disappointment for fantasy managers, recording just one goal and one assist since moving up in the lineup.

4 days ago

Gavin McKenna • LW • Maple Leafs

Gavin McKenna Delivers in First-Line Role

Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Gavin McKenna had the best game of his rookie campaign on Wednesday night against Seattle, finishing a 5-4 loss with three points. He scored two power-play goals and recorded an even-strength assist. This was an important night for McKenna, as he was promoted to the first line and saw increased power-play usage. Toronto's first line, which also includes Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, combined for eight points. While McKenna's offensive production has been inconsistent so far, he's now in a good position to boost his scoring tally. The 18-year-old has five goals and 11 points through his first 15 NHL outings.

Oct 29

Kirill Marchenko • RW • Maple Leafs

Kirill Marchenko Considered Week-to-Week

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Kirill Marchenko (lower body) is week-to-week, the team announced Wednesday. Marchenko suffered a lower-body injury against Calgary on Monday night and will likely miss at least a handful of games. The Russian forward has quickly adapted to his new surroundings, posting 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in as many games with the Maple Leafs. Bo Groulx is expected to fill the gap in the lineup, while Gavin McKenna will have a larger role. The No. 1 pick joined the first line at Wednesday's practice. Easton Cowan moved to the second line.

Oct 28

Kirill Marchenko • RW • Maple Leafs

Kirill Marchenko Exits Early Monday Due to Lower-Body Injury

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Kirill Marchenko (lower body) exited early Monday after sustaining an injury in a 5-2 loss to Calgary. Early in the second period, Marchenko took an awkward fall after tangling with Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich and sustained a lower-body injury. Marchenko has been a great addition to the Maple Leafs' squad, averaging a point per game through 14 appearances. He has six goals and eight assists. If Marchenko has to miss time, Gavin McKenna could receive a new opportunity in the top six.

Oct 27

Nick Blankenburg • D • Maple Leafs

Nick Blankenburg Exits Early Due to Injury Thursday

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Nick Blankenburg (undisclosed) couldn't finish Thursday's matchup with the New York Rangers, Sportsnet's Luke Fox reports. Blankenburg entered the lineup to fill in for Marshall Rifai (lower body). Now, the Maple Leafs have suddenly lost two defensemen in quick succession. Chris Tanev (upper body) has also missed time recently, so the team's defensive depth is getting a stern test. Blankenburg has made six appearances with the Maple Leafs, recording one goal, six SOG, two blocks, and six hits.

Oct 23

Jake McCabe • D • Maple Leafs

Jake McCabe Limited to Handful of Minutes Tuesday

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (face) wasn't able to complete Tuesday's matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Midway through the first period, he took a high stick from Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson and exited the game. Johnson's stick caught McCabe around his left eye area. McCabe was on the ice for a lengthy period before being assisted away by Toronto's medical staff. The hardworking defenseman was limited to 4:15 of ice time. Fortunately, McCabe appears to have avoided a serious injury. Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said after the game that McCabe was doing "OK." 11 games into the season, McCabe is still searching for his first points. However, he leads the team with 21 blocks and ranks first among Maple Leafs defensemen with 15 hits.

Oct 21

William Nylander • RW • Maple Leafs

William Nylander Questionable for Monday Due to Illness

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (illness) missed Monday's morning skate, leaving him questionable for the team's tilt against San Jose. The Maple Leafs will keep their fingers crossed that Nylander can shake off his illness before puck drop. Nine games into the season, Nylander ranks second on his team in scoring, with five goals and seven assists. Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan would benefit from Nylander's absence, especially with John Tavares (lower body) already unavailable. Cowan has been sharper than McKenna in recent games, collecting assists in back-to-back outings.

Oct 19

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Out Week-to-Week

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (lower body) is week-to-week, the team announced before Saturday's tilt against the New York Islanders. He will miss his second game of the season and isn't expected back quickly. The Maple Leafs placed Tavares on Injured Reserve. Before he sustained a lower-body injury against Buffalo Thursday night, Tavares was enjoying a great start to the season. He has seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games. With Tavares out, Easton Cowan will join the top six on Saturday, while Bo Groulx will take his spot in the lineup. Fantasy managers should give Cowan a look, as he's been in good early-season form.

Oct 17

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Hurt in Thursday's Loss

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares had a productive night cut short by an undisclosed injury on Thursday against Buffalo. He left the game in the third period after colliding with Sabres forward Josh Norris. Before leaving, Tavares set up two goals, making it his second straight multi-point game. In total, Tavares has seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games. Gavin McKenna could rejoin the top six if Tavares misses time. On Thursday, this year's top draft pick played just 6:36 and saw his point streak come to an end at four games.

Oct 16

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Rejoins Practice

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (personal) practiced on Monday and is on track to return for Tuesday's matchup with the Utah Mammoth. Tavares didn't play in Saturday's win over Colorado after the birth of his son. Nicholas Paul moved to the second line and contributed two assists in an impressive 6-3 road triumph. Tavares' return will bump Paul to the third line, but he should still see plenty of ice time. After five appearances, Tavares sits on one goal and two assists.

Oct 12

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Won't Be Available Saturday

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (personal) won't play Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche. His wife, Aryne, gave birth to a baby boy Friday. Tavares missed Friday's practice session as Toronto prepares for the second game of a three-game road trip. It's unclear whether Tavares will rejoin the team for the trip, which ends Tuesday against Utah. Nicholas Paul is set to fill in for Tavares as the second-line center until he's ready to return. Paul has had a decent start to the season, with three points (one goal, two assists) in five games. He has more fantasy appeal as one of William Nylander's partners on the second line. Zack MacEwen is expected to fill the gap in the lineup.

Oct 9

Oliver Ekman-Larsson • D • Maple Leafs

Oliver Ekman-Larsson Exits With Injury Thursday

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (undisclosed) was injured in the final few minutes of Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. He exited the game after taking a hit from Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller didn't have an update on Ekman-Larsson after the game, leaving him questionable for Saturday's tilt against Colorado. It's been a slow start to the season for Ekman-Larsson, who is pointless after five games. If Ekman-Larsson can't play this weekend, Nick Blankenburg would get a chance to make his Maple Leafs debut.

Oct 9

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Maple Leafs

Elvis Merzlikins Out 3-5 Months

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (shoulder) will be unavailable for 3-5 months, general manager John Chayka said Tuesday. The Maple Leafs acquired Merzlikins from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, but he won't be available for his season debut until 2027. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Toronto was on Merzlikins' 10-team no-trade list, but he waived it to make the deal happen. Even after recovering from his shoulder injury, Merzlikins isn't expected to see much NHL action this season, as Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz are Toronto's top two options in the crease.

Sep 29

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Maple Leafs

Elvis Merzlikins Moves to Toronto

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (shoulder) was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. The Columbus Blue Jackets included Merzlikins in a six-player trade centered around Kirill Marchenko and Matthews Knies. The Latvian netminder spent seven years in Columbus, suiting up for nearly 300 regular-season games. His future going forward is murky. Due to a shoulder injury, it's unclear when Merzlikins will be available for selection, and he's in the final season of his five-year, $27 million contract. The Maple Leafs have Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz ahead of Merzlikins on the depth chart.

Sep 29

Kirill Marchenko • RW • Maple Leafs

Kirill Marchenko Lands in Toronto, Signs Six-Year Extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired right wing Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a six-player deal. The Russian forward has been hoping for a change of scenery and finally got his move. After trading for Marchenko, the Maple Leafs signed him to a six-year, $72.5 million extension. Marchenko could have become a restricted free agent after the 2026-27 season. Last season, he narrowly missed a second consecutive 30-goal season. He has the potential to become a point-per-game player in Toronto as Auston Matthews' running mate on the first line.

Sep 29

Nick Blankenburg • D • Maple Leafs

Nick Blankenburg Inks One-Year Deal With Maple Leafs

Defenseman Nick Blankenburg has converted a professional tryout agreement into a standard contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. On Sunday, Blankenburg signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal. The Maple Leafs are getting a versatile defenseman who recorded 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists), 72 SOG, 59 blocks, and 55 hits in 61 games last season. However, Blankenburg won't have a major role on the backline, making him a non-factor in fantasy hockey. He may not even be in the opening-night lineup.

Sep 28

Nick Blankenburg • D • Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Invite Nick Blankenburg to Camp

Defenseman Nick Blankenburg has agreed to a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun reports. Blankenburg has been without a standard contract late in the offseason despite playing 60-plus regular-season games in back-to-back campaigns. He split the 2025-26 season between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche, registering 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists), 72 SOG, 59 blocks, and 55 hits. The 28-year-old will compete for a bottom-pairing role during training camp.

Sep 14

Max Domi • C • Maple Leafs

Max Domi to Miss Start of Training Camp

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi (back) will sit out the start of training camp next week. According to Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka, Domi remains "out indefinitely" due to complications from offseason surgery. Domi played through injury last season but missed only two games. He recorded 12 goals and 36 points. Because he is still recovering from surgery, Domi may also miss some time at the start of the regular season. Toronto will open its season on Sept. 29 at home against the Montreal Canadiens.

Sep 13

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