Atlantic Notes: Nylander, Levi, Bergqvist
While Maple Leafs winger William Nylander was able to get back in Toronto’s lineup before the Olympics, he hasn’t been practicing fully with Sweden at the Olympics. That has led to speculation that the lingering groin issue he has been dealing with is still bothering him. As Michael Traikos of The Hockey News relays, the veteran winger indicated that while he’s managing the injury, he’s feeling good at the moment. Nylander has a goal and an assist in three games so far with the Swedes wrapping up preliminary round action earlier today. That has to be encouraging for Toronto as they’ll need him at his best if they’re going to have any shot at trying to close the gap in the Atlantic Division to get back into the playoff picture.
More from the Atlantic:
- Sabres goalie Devon Levi acknowledged to Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald that he no longer feels rushed anymore when it comes to his development. Buffalo put him straight into a late-season playoff chase in 2022 but since then, he has struggled at the NHL level. This season, the team had him take a step back as he has played exclusively with AHL Rochester and has done well, posting a 2.57 GAA with a .910 SV% in 32 appearances. Even with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen currently injured, Buffalo will need to have another netminder go down with an injury before Levi becomes a viable option to be recalled this season.
- Canadiens prospect Rasmus Bergqvist has been loaned from the SHL to Ostersunds of the second-tier Allsvenskan, per a team announcement from SHL Skelleftea. The 20-year-old has been a regular with Skelleftea this season while picking up four assists in 37 games, albeit with diminishing ice time. The hope is that the drop to the lower level will allow Bergqvist to play a bigger role while maintaining eligibility to be recalled later in the season or into the playoffs.
Maple Leafs Activate William Nylander
The Toronto Maple Leafs are activating forward William Nylander from the injured reserve for the second time in the last three weeks. Additionally, the team has reassigned Jacob Quillan to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in a corresponding roster move.
Nylander has been on the shelf for much of January. A groin injury has limited him to only four games this month, not including this evening. Still, he was extremely productive during those contests, scoring three goals and seven points with a +2 rating.
Throughout the entire season, Nylander leads Toronto in scoring with 17 goals and 48 points in 37 games with a +1 rating, averaging 18:33 of ice time per night. Unfortunately, that hasn’t translated to much success on the defensive side of the puck, where Nylander is averaging an 85.9% on-ice SV% in all situations. That’s second-lowest on the team, barely ahead of John Tavares.
Regardless, the Maple Leafs have clearly struggled without him in the lineup. Since Nylander exited the lineup for a second time on January 17th, Toronto has managed a 1-5-1 record, averaging 2.57 GF/G. Their current losing streak has dropped the Maple Leafs to second-last in the Eastern Conference, 10 points back of the final wild-card spot.
If Toronto has any hope of clawing back into the playoffs for the 10th consecutive year, they will need Nylander to remain in the lineup. The team has shown dramatic flaws without him.
Meanwhile, Quillan will return to AHL Toronto after one appearance with the Maple Leafs during his recall. The 23-year-old forward has scored eight goals and 27 points in 28 games for the Marlies this season.
Injury Notes: Turcotte, Roy, Nylander
Los Angeles Kings Head Coach Jim Hiller told reporters, including Zach Dooley, Manager of Editorial Content, that Alex Turcotte is out for the remainder of the road trip due to an upper-body injury.
Having returned home, the forward is ruled out until at least next Wednesday, as the Kings will take on Seattle back in Los Angeles.
Set to turn 25 next month, the former fifth overall pick has just 12 points in 49 games, but he still brings versatility to the Kings’ middle six. Turcotte has won 55.7% of draws this season, a career best, to go with a standout 57.2% Corsi For at even strength. The Illinois native may not pan out as a high offensive producer as initially expected, but he is still a valuable third line center for now, who will be missed for the rest of the week.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Roy is absent tonight against Detroit, noted by Sammi Silber of The Hockey News. Both he and Rasmus Sandin were listed as questionable, the latter able to return to action. Meanwhile, Roy will miss his second game of the campaign, the first coming last Tuesday, due to an apparent lower-body injury. The 30-year-old has 14 points in 53 games on the season, serving as a steady shutdown righty averaging 20:46 a night, good for third on the team. Roy could return by Saturday, as his Capitals host Carolina. Until then, Declan Chisholm remains in the lineup.
- Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander practiced today but still won’t play in Seattle tonight, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, who did say that there is a “good chance” he returns Saturday in Vancouver. The forward is dealing with a lingering groin ailment which sidelined him for six games earlier in the year. Without their leading point-getter, who has 48 in just 37 games, the Leafs have gone 1-4-1 and lacking a regulation win, in a time they desperately need points to try and reach the postseason.
Atlantic Notes: Edvinsson, Senators, Nylander, Joshua
Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson will miss his second straight game tonight against Winnipeg due to a lower-body injury and it appears he’ll be out longer than that as well. Team reporter Jonathan Mills relays (Twitter link) that the blueliner will be reevaluated when the team returns home from their current road trip with a decision to be made on which path he will be taking at that time. That type of decision typically implies that a longer absence is potentially on the table. That would be a big blow to Detroit’s defensive group as the 22-year-old has been a big part of their success this season. Through 48 games, Edvinsson has 17 points and 104 blocks while averaging a career-high 22:35 per game.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic:
- Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark will return to the lineup soon, possibly as early as Sunday, relays Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch (Twitter link). He stepped away for a leave of absence for mental health reasons just after the holiday break and Ottawa’s goaltending has struggled mightily since then, with backup Leevi Merilainen recently being sent back to the minors for a reset. Meanwhile, Garrioch also notes that assistant coach Mike Yeo has taken over the penalty kill from Nolan Baumgartner. Ottawa’s shorthanded play this season has been an issue as the Sens rank 31st in the league with a success rate of just 71.7%.
- Maple Leafs winger William Nylander skated today as he continues to work his way back from a lingering groin issue, mentions David Alter of The Hockey News. He missed six games earlier this season with the same issue and was reinjured in his fourth game back. There remains no timetable for his return with the team likely to be extra cautious but the fact he’s back on the ice is an important first step toward returning.
- In the same piece, Alter also noted that forward Dakota Joshua skated for the first time since suffering a lacerated kidney that has kept him out for the last 13 games and counting. However, head coach Craig Berube was quick to indicate that the 29-year-old is still a long way away from returning to the lineup. Joshua is in his first season with Toronto and had been fairly quiet prior to the injury, picking up 10 points and 127 hits in 36 games.
Maple Leafs Recall Jacob Quillan
The Maple Leafs announced they’ve added forward Jacob Quillan back to the NHL roster. They’ll need to make a corresponding move to open a spot on the active roster. That could be yet another injured reserve placement for William Nylander, who’s already missed one game after reaggravating his lower-body injury and won’t be in the lineup tonight, either.
Quillan gives the Leafs some extra forward depth amid yet another major injury concern up front – this time concerning top left-winger Matthew Knies. He’s missed the last couple of skates due to maintenance, but did not take part in this morning’s gameday skate preceding tonight’s matchup with the Wild, per David Alter of The Hockey News. If he’s unavailable, Quillan would be needed in the lineup to give the Leafs 12 healthy forwards.
It’s the third NHL stint this season for the 23-year-old Quillan. Across the past two seasons, the undrafted free agent pickup out of Quinnipiac had logged his first four big-league appearances with a +2 rating but is still looking for his first NHL point. The 6’0″, 205-lb pivot has been quite productive in the minors, though. That’s especially true this season, boasting an 8-19–27 scoring line in 28 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
His waiver-exempt status, plus his strong AHL showing, means Quillan will continue being Toronto’s most frequented call-up option down the stretch. A pending restricted free agent, it won’t be much of a surprise if he finds his way onto the Leafs’ opening night roster next fall.
Maple Leafs To Recall Jacob Quillan; William Nylander Injured
According to David Alter of The Hockey News, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to recall Jacob Quillan from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. As TSN’s Darren Dreger pointed out earlier, forward William Nylander is dealing with injury concerns, and he’ll likely be placed on the injured reserve.
Nylander has already been ruled out for today’s matchup by the team. There’s a belief that he re-aggravated his recent lower-body injury in the overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. He had previously missed six games with the injury.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs haven’t yet provided an updated recovery timeline for their star winger. Yesterday, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic asked head coach Craig Berube how long Nylander would miss, to which Berube responded, “Right now I can’t answer that. With the last one I thought it would be quicker and then obviously (it) wasn’t. We’ll just see how he feels here going forward.”
It’s unfortunate timing for Nylander and Toronto, as the 11-year veteran was on a tear after initially returning from his lower-body ailment. Since returning to the lineup on January 10th, Nylander scored three goals and seven points with a +2 rating, averaging 13:28 of ice time per game. Still, that’s been the status quo for Nylander this year, scoring 14 goals and 41 points in 33 games before suffering the injury the first time.
Meanwhile, Quillan, 23, will return to the Maple Leafs after being reassigned on January 9th. The 6’1″ forward has gone scoreless in three appearances for the Maple Leafs this season with a +2 rating, averaging 8:06 of ice time per game.
His play in the AHL, plus his flexible contract, has made him a consistent recall candidate for Toronto this season. He’s tied for third in scoring on AHL Toronto, registering eight goals and 27 points in 28 games with a +8 rating.
Toronto Maple Leafs Activate William Nylander
The Toronto Maple Leafs will return their highest-scoring player tonight. According to a team announcement, the Maple Leafs have activated William Nylander from the team’s injured reserve.
The news aligns with an earlier report from David Alter of The Hockey News stating that Nylander will return to the lineup, and defenseman Jake McCabe is a game-time decision. Nylander has missed two weeks with a lower-body injury.
Still, despite missing their highest-scoring player for 14 days, the Maple Leafs haven’t noticed. Toronto is 4-0-2 without Nylander, climbing to 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings and two points back of the final wild-card spot.
Regardless, Toronto will warmly welcome Nylander and his offensive prowess back into the lineup. The 29-year-old winger is again on pace to register more than 80 points this season, scoring 14 goals and 41 points in 33 games while averaging 19:10 of ice time per game.
However, there are some newfound concerns with Nylander on the defensive side of the puck this season. Although he has 39 more games to correct the issue (if he remains healthy), Nylander’s CorsiFor% at even strength (47.0%) and on-ice SV% at even strength (86.0%) have each fallen to a career low. Despite averaging more than a point per game, even his expected +/- has fallen into the negatives for the first time since his rookie season in 2015-16.
Meanwhile, it would be equally beneficial for the Maple Leafs to get McCabe back into the lineup for different reasons. The 32-year-old blue liner has arguably been the best defenseman for Toronto this season, scoring three goals and 16 points in 41 games with a +26 rating. Unlike Nylander, most of McCabe’s value this season has come from the defensive side of the puck, averaging a 91.7% oiSV% at even strength.
Maple Leafs Reassign Jacob Quillan, Expected To Activate William Nylander
The Maple Leafs announced they’ve sent center Jacob Quillan to AHL Toronto. They’re left with an open roster spot, which is expected to go to William Nylander as he comes off injured reserve ahead of his anticipated return to the lineup tomorrow against the Canucks.
Quillan, 23, had been up since Dec. 30 but only got into one game. He entered the lineup that night against the Devils, recording a +1 rating in 7:01 of ice time, before heading to the press box for four straight.
The undrafted free agent signing out of Quinnipiac has been one of Toronto’s best minor-leaguers this season, though. Despite getting just three NHL games across his two call-ups, he’s just shy of the AHL team lead in points per game with 0.88 after recording five goals and 18 assists through 26 contests to date.
Toronto increasingly relying on the 6’0″ Nova Scotia native as a call-up option indicates he has a decent chance of plucking a roster spot for a larger portion of next season, particularly if he settles for a reasonable extension or re-signs at a low cost. His entry-level deal is up following this season, and he’ll be eligible for arbitration should he choose to test restricted free agency.
Nylander, should he get back into action tomorrow, will return after missing the last six games with a lower-body injury he sustained against the Senators on Dec. 27. The Leafs’ top winger had scored three goals and two assists in his final two appearances before exiting the lineup, momentum he’ll hope to keep up as Toronto continues to gain ground in the East playoff race. They’re now six games above .500, their highest points percentage since winning their season opener, and are one point back of the Sabres for the final playoff spot after going 6-2-2 in their last 10. Their chances of making the postseason are up to 23.8%, per MoneyPuck.
The star Swede has been immensely productive this season, and his offense is one of the biggest reasons they’re still squarely in the race. Despite the missed time, his 27 assists and 41 points in 33 games still lead the team.
Maple Leafs Place William Nylander On IR, Recall Marshall Rifai
The Maple Leafs placed right winger William Nylander on injured reserve Monday, according to a team announcement. The placement is retroactive to Dec. 27, so he is eligible for activation at any time. Nylander’s roster spot will go to defenseman Marshall Rifai, whom the team said has been recalled from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Nylander has now missed four games since sustaining a lower-body injury against the Senators nine days ago. He’s back on the ice and skated Monday, David Alter of The Hockey News reports, but he will presumably miss at least one more game.
Toronto has not lost in regulation during Nylander’s latest absence, collecting six out of eight possible points with a 2-0-2 record. The 29-year-old previously missed four games in October and November due to a lower-body injury and an illness, limiting his season total to 33 appearances.
Despite the recurring inavailability, Nylander’s 27 assists and 41 points still sit atop the Leafs’ leaderboard. He’s also been Toronto’s best finisher at 20.6% (min. 50 shots on goal).
Rifai’s recall indicates there’s legitimate concern about Jake McCabe‘s status for Tuesday’s clash with the Panthers. Head coach Craig Berube said after Saturday’s overtime loss to the Islanders that McCabe would need to undergo evaluation for an undisclosed injury he sustained in the third period (via Alter).
The fact that Nylander, instead of McCabe, is landing on IR to make room for the Leafs to add another defenseman likely isn’t an indicator of the latter’s return timeline one way or another. There’s simply added roster flexibility by placing someone who’s already missed more than a week on IR, removing any potential restrictions on activation.
Rifai, 27, only recently got his season underway with the Marlies after needing wrist surgery due to a preseason injury. In five games, the 6’2″ lefty has recorded two assists with eight penalty minutes and a +2 rating.
The Quebec native only has two NHL games to his name and none since February 2024, but that could change tomorrow if the Leafs opt to continue playing lefty Oliver Ekman-Larsson on his off side while keeping righty Philippe Myers in the press box. Myers was scratched for the first time in several days against the Islanders after posting two assists and a -8 rating in 21 appearances this year.
East Notes: Dubois, Kesselring, Horvat, Nylander
Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois has started skating as he continues to work his way back from abdominal surgery two months ago, reports Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post (Twitter link). The original recovery timeline for the procedure was three to four months so he’s past the halfway point now. However, head coach Spencer Carbery quickly mentioned that the 27-year-old won’t return until after the Olympic break next month. Dubois got off to a slow start before the injury and was held without a point in his first six games but he was a key contributor last season, tallying a career-high 66 points. He’ll certainly be a welcome addition for Washington for the stretch run.
Elsewhere in the East:
- Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring missed today’s game against Columbus due to a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day, relays Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald (Twitter link). It has been a rough start to the year for the 25-year-old, who is in his first season with Buffalo after coming over from Utah in an offseason trade. Kesselring has missed more games than he has played due to injury and is still looking for his first point after being held off the scoresheet in his first 16 outings after putting up 29 points just last season.
- Islanders center Bo Horvat skated on his own today, just two days after suffering a lower-body injury, notes Stefan Rosner of The Hockey News (Twitter link). Head coach Patrick Roy noted that the veteran seems to be doing well but couldn’t provide a timeline for his return. At a minimum, Horvat will miss the next week, making him IR-eligible should New York need to open up a short-term roster spot. Horvat, who was named to Canada’s Olympic team this week, has 21 goals and 12 assists in 36 games this season.
- Maple Leafs winger William Nylander will miss his fourth straight game tonight due to a lower-body injury, mentions David Alter of The Hockey News. However, head coach Craig Berube indicated that Nylander is progressing well and the hope is that he could be back on the ice on Monday for practice. Despite missing seven games due to various injuries this season, Nylander still leads Toronto in scoring with 14 goals and 27 assists in 33 games.