Leafs Shorthanded as Injuries Pile Up Ahead of Clash With Devils
As the calendar flips toward the end of 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into their matchup against the New Jersey Devils dealing with a growing list of injuries, and it’s forcing some tough adjustments. What was supposed to be a chance to build momentum has instead turned into a serious test of depth, resilience, and next-man-up mentality.
It was confirmed ahead of puck drop that Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Chris Tanev, and Dakota Joshua would all be unavailable for the game. For a team already struggling for consistency, losing that much experience and production at once is a heavy blow. Matthews, the team captain, was listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot late in Sunday’s game against Detroit. Even though he managed to finish that game, it was later decided that caution was the better option. His absence is especially notable, given that he’s sitting just four goals shy of tying Mats Sundin’s franchise record.
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Nylander was also ruled out, still dealing with a lower-body issue that forced him to miss the final period against Ottawa and all of the Detroit game. He has been Toronto’s most productive scorer this season, leading the team in points, so his absence leaves a clear offensive gap. On the back end, Tanev remains under evaluation after logging heavy minutes in his return from a lengthy absence earlier this year. Meanwhile, Dakota Joshua is sidelined with a kidney injury following a hard hit, and he remains in Detroit as he continues to recover.
With so many regulars missing, reinforcements were brought in from the Toronto Marlies. Jacob Quillan and Matt Benning were recalled, giving the lineup some fresh legs. Quillan, in particular, is being viewed as a player eager to seize his opportunity. It was said that his comfort level with the system has grown, and his energy and speed are seen as assets that could help spark the group.
Head coach Craig Berube made it clear that there’s no room for excuses. The message has been simple: everyone needs to step up. Veterans are being leaned on more heavily, while younger players are being trusted with bigger roles than usual. In goal, Joseph Woll is expected to get the start, and he’ll be relied upon to steady things against a Devils team that won’t be feeling sorry for Toronto’s injury luck.
As things stand, the Maple Leafs find themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and nights like this can either deepen the frustration or become a rallying point. With so many key names missing, this game against New Jersey is less about star power and more about character. For Toronto, it’s a reminder that seasons often turn not when everything goes right, but when teams find a way to survive when everything goes wrong.
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