It appears star forward William Nylander is ready to make his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.
Head coach Craig Berube told reporters in Vancouver Friday that there is a good chance Nylander makes his return after he missed the past seven games with a groin injury. Berube described Nylander as “close” to returning on Thursday.
The Hockey News’ David Alter reports Nylander himself told reporters he will be ready to return Saturday.
William Nylander says he’s feel good to return tomorrow.
Craig Berube confirms Marshall Rifai will make his season debut tomorrow. @BodogCA
— David Alter (@davidalter) January 30, 2026
The 29-year-old Nylander last played on Jan. 15 against the Vegas Golden Knights and has 17 goals and 48 points in 37 games so far this season. The Leafs have one win in their previous seven games without him and are in the midst of a six-game skid.
Meanwhile, defenceman Marshall Rifai will make his season debut at the NHL level Saturday against the Canucks. The 27-year-old has four assists in 12 AHL games so far in 2025-26 and got into two games with the Leafs during the 2023-24 season.
Toronto will enter Saturday’s matchup at 24-21-9 for 57 points in 54 games. They sit 10 points out of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
