It’s a difficult time for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have not only lost six straight contests, but who also now occupy the final spot in the Atlantic Division standings.
This is a stark contrast to how things have fared for them in recent seasons, including 2024-25 when they were the top team in the division with a pristine 52-26-4 record for 108 total points.
Their latest setback came in the form of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena in what was the beginning of a six game road trip that will include stops at opposite ends of the continent.
However, there’s a bit of good news to be shared by the Maple Leafs on their health front. Forward William Nylander, who has missed the last several games after re-aggravating a groin injury that felled him earlier in the season, is set to make his return to the lineup.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, head coach Craig Berube confirmed that the Swedish-born forward is nearing a return and that the club as a whole will benefit from his presence.
“It means a lot, obviously, knowing what he provides with his skill, leadership, and what he does for our team,” Berube said. “He makes us way more dynamic, for sure, in a lot of areas.”
While Berube stopped short of confirming Nylander would officially return against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday evening, he implied that the chances of him playing are very good.
“There is a good chance he’ll be in tomorrow,” he said.
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Toronto Maple Leafs Forward William Nylander Has Missed The Last Several Games
Nylander had already missed six games stretching from December into January after suffering a groin injury, and he’s since missed an additional six games after re-aggravating the same injury.
However, he’s looking forward to getting back onto the ice with the rest of his teammates to hopefully put an end to their recent skid.
“I missed so many games this year, the most I’ve ever missed,” he said. “It’s been tough not being out there every night and playing.”
“The first time (coming back) it happened again, so that was frustrating,” Nylander said. “The best way to take care of it is the way I’m doing it now. Hopefully it’s something that’s in your rearview mirror now.”
The 17 games that Nylander has missed so far this season are the second-most he’s ever missed in his career; he’d previously missed 28 games because of a contract dispute in 2018-19.
“We’ve had (bad stretches) like this and got out of it,” he said. “Now, next time, when we do get out of it, we’ve got to stay out of it. Obviously you want to be out there and help the team try to win. It’s been s—-ty sitting up there.”
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Nylander’s Maple Leafs Teammates Are Happy To Have Him Back
As one of the club’s top players, Nylander’s teammates will welcome his return to the lineup.
“You’re talking about one of the best wingers in the game, with an ability to make something happen at any moment,” forward and assistant captain John Tavares said. “The ultimate game-breaker and a driver for us. If he’s back, it’ll be a big boost for us.”
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