The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting a much-needed boost as William Nylander returns to the lineup, activated from injured reserve for the second time in just three weeks. In a corresponding move, the team has reassigned forward Jacob Quillan back to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Nylander’s absence has been felt - and then some. A groin injury kept him sidelined for most of January, limiting him to just four games this month.
But when he has been on the ice, he’s made it count. In those four appearances, Nylander racked up three goals and seven points, along with a +2 rating.
That’s the kind of production Toronto desperately needs right now.
Zooming out, Nylander has been the Leafs’ offensive engine all season. Through 37 games, he leads the team in scoring with 17 goals and 48 points, averaging 18:33 of ice time per night.
That’s not just solid - it’s elite. He’s been the go-to guy in big moments, driving play and creating chances when others have struggled to find consistency.
But while his offensive numbers shine, the defensive metrics tell a different story. Nylander’s on-ice save percentage in all situations sits at 85.9% - second-lowest on the team, just ahead of John Tavares. That stat doesn’t fall solely on him, of course, but it does highlight an area where the Leafs have been vulnerable when he’s out there.
Still, there’s no question that Toronto has missed him - badly. Since Nylander’s second stint on the sidelines began on January 17, the Leafs have gone 1-5-1.
They’ve averaged just 2.57 goals per game in that stretch, and the offense has looked disjointed without his playmaking and scoring threat. The result?
A slide down the standings that’s left Toronto second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, now 10 points out of the final wild-card spot.
In short, if the Maple Leafs are going to make a serious push for a 10th straight playoff appearance, they need Nylander not just back - but back to being the dynamic, game-changing force he’s shown he can be. The margin for error is razor-thin, and with the clock ticking on the regular season, there’s little room left for setbacks.
As for Jacob Quillan, his brief NHL stint comes to a pause after just one appearance. The 23-year-old heads back to the Marlies, where he’s been quietly putting together a strong season with eight goals and 27 points in 28 games. He’s shown promise at the AHL level, and while his time with the big club was short, it’s clear the Leafs see value in his development.
But right now, all eyes are on Nylander. His return isn’t just a lineup note - it’s a potential turning point in a season that’s quickly slipping away.