Maple Leafs injury update: 'Tough time' for Toronto with Tanev, Joshua out and Auston Matthews’ return status looms

The Toronto Maple Leafs are grappling with a growing injury list at a crucial point in the NHL season complicating their push to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

The team announced Tuesday morning that defenseman Chris Tanev and forward Dakota Joshua will not play in tonight’s matchup sidelined with lower-body and upper-body injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, captain Auston Matthews, who left Sunday’s game in Detroit after blocking a shot before briefly returning, remains a game-time decision with a lower-body injury.

Adding to the Leafs’ challenges, William Nylander continues to be listed day-to-day while the team has recalled D Matt Benning and F Jacob Quillan from the Toronto Marlies to provide roster depth.

NHL insider Darren Dreger tweeted Tuesday noting that Tanev’s injury is unrelated to prior health issues.

“Injuries are piling up on the Leafs again. Tanev and Joshua are both hurt. Extent should be known this morning. Auston Matthews is a game-time decision tonight after blocking a shot on Sunday. Nylander remains day to day. Tough time of year,” he wrote on X.

The Leafs enter tonight’s game with a record of 17-15-6 sitting eighth in the Atlantic Division and outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. Recent results for the side have been inconsistent including a 7-5 win over Ottawa and a 3-2 overtime loss to Detroit.

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Maple Leafs and Habs could compete for Jonathan Marchessault

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are reportedly exploring a move for Nashville Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault.

According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs are seeking ways to improve their top-six forward group. Marchessault’s remaining contract could make a trade more manageable compared to other targets, though he would need to waive his full no-movement clause to join Toronto.

Sources indicate Marchessault would consider a top-six role alongside Auston Matthews or John Tavares. Marchessault is currently signed through the 2028-29 season on a five-year, $27.5 million contract carrying an annual average salary of $5.5 million.

"The Leafs don’t have many assets to trade. For the Predators... moving the remainder of the contract... [For] The Leafs... it wouldn’t be as costly as other trade targets they’ve looked at. Marchessault would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but... he would consider the Leafs... [for] top-six role skating alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares," LeBrun wrote.

Montreal is also being discussed as a potential landing spot. The Canadiens are among the league’s youngest teams. Adding Marchessault would bring veteran experience and additional scoring depth. Chris Johnston of The Athletic previously noted that a trade for Montreal could involve moving salary with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit being a likely candidate to clear space.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno