Star forward William Nylander is set to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. This comeback follows a seven-game absence due to a groin injury. Maple Leafs’ head coach Craig Berube expressed optimism about Nylander’s readiness, stating that he is “close” to playing. Additionally, Nylander himself confirmed his return to reporters.
Nylander’s Season Performance
Nylander has been a pivotal player for the Maple Leafs this season. As of now, he has recorded:
- 17 goals
- 48 points in 37 games
His last game was on January 15 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Maple Leafs have struggled during Nylander’s absence, managing only one win in their last seven games, contributing to a current six-game losing streak.
Upcoming Match Details
In addition to Nylander’s return, defenseman Marshall Rifai will make his season debut against the Canucks. Rifai has added depth to the team, with:
- Four assists in 12 AHL games this season
- Two previous games played with the Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 season
Current Team Standings
The Maple Leafs will enter Saturday’s matchup with a record of:
- 24 wins
- 21 losses
- 9 overtime losses (24-21-9)
- 57 points in 54 games
Currently, they are 10 points away from the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The match against Vancouver is crucial as the team aims to turn around their fortunes.
