Nylander was not on the ice for morning skate on Saturday and head coach Craig Berube confirmed that the forward will remain out. Berube hopes that Nylander won’t be sidelined too much longer.
“He’s progressing,” Berube told reporters. “I think he’s trending in the right direction, and now my hope is maybe he’s back with us Monday on the ice practicing”.
The 29-year-old has been out since suffering a lower-body injury against the Ottawa Senators on Dec. 27. Nylander appeared to sustain the injury midway through the second period after getting his stick tangled with Senators defenceman Artem Zub.
Nylander has 14 goals and 41 points in 33 games and was named to Sweden’s Olympic roster.
Toronto is also making a change on the blue line with defenceman Philippe Myers coming out for Matt Benning. At morning skate, Benning was on the third pair with Simon Benoit, while Troy Stecher was bumped up to the top four with Morgan Rielly.
Benning was acquired by the Leafs last season from the San Jose Sharks in a trade that sent Timothy Liljegren out west. The 31-year-old has not played in the NHL since last season after getting sent down to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
In 16 games this season in the AHL, Benning has two goals and 10 points.
The Maple Leafs will face the Islanders on Hockey Night in Canada at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Catch the action on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+.
