The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting a much-needed boost this weekend, with William Nylander expected to return to the lineup Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. But with the team’s playoff hopes already teetering, the question now is whether his return comes too late to make a real difference.
Nylander, who’s been sidelined since January 15 with a lower-body injury suffered in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, rejoined the main group at Thursday’s morning skate in Seattle. While he skated as an extra forward that day, by Friday he was back in a familiar spot-on the second line alongside John Tavares and Matias Maccelli. It’s a welcome sight for Leafs fans, and frankly, for a team that’s been lost without him.
This season has seen Nylander miss more time than any other in his career, outside of the 2018-19 campaign when he held out into December due to a contract dispute. And his absence has been felt.
The Leafs have gone just 1-5-1 in the seven games without him, a stretch that’s put a serious dent in their postseason aspirations. Nylander’s return won’t fix everything, but there’s no denying how much more dangerous this team is with him on the ice.
Also making his way back into the lineup is defenseman Marshall Rifai, who looks set to make his season debut after being activated from injured reserve. Rifai, 27, has mostly been a fixture with the Toronto Marlies, but in limited NHL action over the past two-and-a-half seasons, he’s shown he can hang. He brings a physical edge and some fresh legs to a blue line that’s been searching for answers during a rocky stretch.
With Nylander and Rifai stepping in, a couple of younger players are expected to come out. Up front, Easton Cowan looks like he’ll be the odd man out.
The rookie has hit a rough patch, registering just one assist and a minus-4 rating over his last five games. It’s not all on him-the entire team has struggled-but under head coach Craig Berube, these decisions often favor experience over youth.
That’s the reality of life on a team trying to claw its way back into the mix.
On the back end, Simon Benoit is expected to sit, making way for Rifai. Again, this isn’t necessarily about poor play from Benoit, but more about trying to shake things up and see if a new look can spark something.
The Leafs have three games left before the Olympic break, all on the road through Western Canada. It’s a make-or-break stretch for a team that’s been spinning its wheels.
Getting Nylander back is a start. Now it’s about whether the rest of the group can rise to the moment-or if the hole they’ve dug is already too deep.