The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting a major boost to their lineup to start their weekend back-to-back.
William Nylander will make his return for the Maple Leafs’ clash against the Vancouver Canucks Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada (7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).
Head coach Craig Berube confirmed after morning skate that Nylander will return following a six-game absence after suffering a lower-body injury on Dec. 27.
Meanwhile, defenceman Jake McCabe will make his return to the Maple Leafs’ lineup after missing two games with a lower-body injury he suffered against the New York Islanders on Jan. 3.
The 32-year-old has 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 41 games this season.
With Nylander’s return, the Leafs shuffled their forward lines with the Swedish forward skating on his usual spot alongside John Tavares and Matias Maccelli. Nylander’s return pushed Matthew Knies back up to the top line with Auston Matthews and Max Domi, with Bobby McMann skating with Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz.
Meanwhile, goalie Anthony Stolarz is “coming along well” and is planning be with the team during next week’s road trip, per Berube. Stolarz has been out since Nov. 11 with an upper-body injury.
As for Chris Tanev, Berube said a decision has not been made on whether surgery is necessary. The defenceman injured his groin on Dec. 28 against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Maple Leafs are scheduled to play the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.
