The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are set to clash tonight at 7 p.m. ET in a matchup that carries significant implications for both clubs. As the NHL season progresses, each game becomes increasingly critical for playoff positioning, and this contest will be broadcast across multiple networks including CBC, SNO, SNW, and SNP. The evening features several compelling storylines, most notably the return of William Nylander to the Maple Leafs lineup after a seven-game absence due to a groin injury, while the Canucks continue to navigate one of the most challenging injury situations in the league.
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup Analysis
The Maple Leafs will ice a reconfigured forward group that showcases their depth and star power. The top line features Bobby McMann centering the league's premier goal-scorer Auston Matthews alongside the versatile Max Domi. This combination provides a blend of physical presence, elite finishing ability, and playmaking creativity that will test Vancouver's defensive structure throughout the night.
On the second line, Matias Maccelli joins captain John Tavares and the returning William Nylander, who comes back after missing nearly two weeks with his lower-body injury. Nylander's absence was felt deeply in Toronto's offensive production, and his comeback adds a dynamic element to an already potent second unit. The third line presents an intriguing mix of youth and skill with Matthew Knies, Nicolas Roy, and Nicholas Robertson forming a trio capable of generating secondary scoring while maintaining defensive responsibility.
The fourth line rounds out the forward corps with Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and Calle Jarnkrok providing energy, penalty-killing expertise, and veteran savvy. This depth allows Toronto to roll four lines consistently, a luxury that becomes particularly valuable during the grind of an 82-game season.
Defensively, the Maple Leafs will deploy Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo as their top pairing, a duo that combines offensive instincts with shutdown capabilities. The second pair features Jake McCabe alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson, bringing physicality and experience to the blue line. Perhaps the most notable change comes with Marshall Rifai making his season debut alongside Troy Stecher on the third pairing. Rifai's promotion from the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies comes after the team recalled him on Wednesday, and he will replace Simon Benoit in the lineup. This move demonstrates the organization's confidence in their developmental pipeline and provides Rifai an opportunity to showcase his abilities at the NHL level.
In goal, Joseph Woll gets the start with Anthony Stolarz backing him up. Woll has established himself as Toronto's primary netminder, and his performance will be crucial against a Canucks team desperate for points despite their depleted roster. The scratches for Toronto include defenseman Philippe Myers, the aforementioned Simon Benoit, and forward Easton Cowan, who exits the lineup to accommodate Nylander's return. The team also reassigned forward Jacob Quillan to the AHL as part of their roster management.
Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup Analysis
The Canucks face a drastically different reality, with their lineup decimated by injuries to key personnel. Vancouver's top line still boasts impressive talent with Evander Kane, Elias Pettersson, and Conor Garland leading the offensive charge. This trio represents the Canucks' best hope for generating consistent scoring pressure against a solid Toronto defensive structure.
The second line features Filip Chytil, David Kampf, and Linus Karlsson, while the third line consists of Drew O'Connor, Aatu Raty, and Jake DeBrusk. These combinations reflect head coach Adam Foote's efforts to maximize the remaining healthy talent while maintaining some semblance of lineup balance. The fourth line of Liam Ohgren, Teddy Blueger, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki
Defensively, the Canucks are equally challenged. The top pairing of Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers must shoulder heavy minutes and difficult matchups. The second pair features Elias Pettersson (the defenseman, not to be confused with the forward of the same name) alongside Filip Hronek, while the third pair consists of P.O. Joseph and Tom Willander. It's worth noting that both Blueger and Hronek missed practice on Friday, though they are expected to suit up for the game, demonstrating the Canucks' desperation for healthy bodies. The goaltending situation presents another layer of intrigue. While the Canucks did not officially name their starter, observations from practice suggest Nikita Tolopilo will get the nod for his second consecutive start. The fact that Kevin Lankinen remained on the ice late after practice typically indicates he will serve as the backup. Tolopilo's recent play will be critical as Vancouver tries to steal points against a high-powered Toronto offense. Injury Report Impact Toronto's injury list, while concerning, appears more manageable than Vancouver's. Defenseman Chris Tanev remains sidelined with a groin injury, while Dakota Mermis deals with a lower-body issue and Dakota Joshua recovers from a kidney-related ailment. These absences have forced Toronto to dip into their organizational depth, but the core of their roster remains intact. Vancouver's injury situation, conversely, represents a crisis. The list reads like a who's who of their roster: Nils Hoglander (lower body), Brock Boeser (concussion protocol), Zeev Buium (facial fracture), Thatcher Demko (hip surgery), Marco Rossi (lower body), and Derek Forbort (undisclosed). The absence of Demko, their franchise goaltender, has been particularly devastating, while Boeser's concussion protocol keeps one of their top scorers out of the lineup. Perhaps most concerning for Canucks fans is coach Foote's announcement that Boeser is unlikely to return before the break for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This timeline suggests the forward will miss significant time, further hampering Vancouver's playoff aspirations. The Canucks will scratch Max Sasson and Victor Mancini for this contest as they continue to shuffle pieces in search of a winning formula. Key Storylines and Matchups Several factors will determine the outcome of this interconference battle. Nylander's return provides an immediate boost to Toronto's offensive capabilities, and his chemistry with Tavares will be worth monitoring early in the game. The debut of Rifai offers a feel-good story and an opportunity for the young defenseman to prove he belongs at this level. For Vancouver, the performance of their goaltending and their ability to limit high-danger chances against will be paramount. With their top players logging heavy minutes due to injuries, fatigue could become a factor, particularly in the third period. The matchup between Matthews and Vancouver's depleted defense presents a significant challenge for the Canucks, while Toronto must avoid complacency against an undermanned opponent desperate for victory. Broadcast Information and Final Thoughts Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with national coverage provided across CBC, SNO, SNW, and SNP. The game represents an opportunity for Toronto to capitalize on Vancouver's misfortune and secure two valuable points, while the Canucks face a monumental challenge as they attempt to remain competitive despite their extensive injury list. How Vancouver responds to adversity, and whether Toronto can execute with their restored lineup, will make this a fascinating contest for hockey fans across Canada.