Nation Sites
The Nation Network
The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Leafs lineup news: Ekman-Larsson returns to practice, Haymes called up from Marlies

Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2026, 11:30 EDTUpdated: Apr 7, 2026, 11:27 EDT
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to practice after missing Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings due to injury.
Ekman-Larsson has recorded eight goals and 38 points in 73 games for the Maple Leafs. Although it’s been a nightmare season for the Maple Leafs, Ekman-Larsson has operated as the team’s best defender for large stretches of the campaign. Ekman-Larsson skated alongside William Villeneuve at Tuesday’s practice. Villeneuve hasn’t made his NHL debut and is a promising candidate from the blue line, recording three goals and 28 points in 58 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Toronto recalled forward Luke Haymes from the Marlies on an emergency basis. Haymes has recorded 17 goals and 32 points in 63 games for the Marlies this season. The 22-year-old will be afforded an opportunity to showcase his skills at the NHL level, with the Maple Leafs looking to retool their roster heading into the 2026-27 season. Haymes signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs in March 2025 after excelling for Dartmouth at the NCAA level. The Leafs Nation listed Haymes as the organization’s 10th-ranked prospect last summer, and he’s ascending through the list.
Haymes skated among the extras, per lines posted by TSN’s Mark Masters. As the Maple Leafs are officially eliminated from playoff contention, it’ll be compelling to see if head coach Craig Berube provides his new call-ups with greater playing time. Bo Groulx remains on the third line with Dakota Joshua and Nick Robertson, while Jacob Quillan centres the fourth line, flanked by Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok.
Toronto hosts the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, before taking on the New York Islanders on Thursday.
Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Capitals
Easton Cowan-John Tavares-William Nylander
Matthew Knies-Max Domi-Matias Maccelli
Dakota Joshua-Bo Groulx-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-Jacob Quillan-Calle Jarnkrok
Jake McCabe-Brandon Carlo
Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers
Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher
Anthony Stolarz
Joseph Woll
CHECK OUT OFF THE ROSTER – NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEKDAY
Off The Roster is Toronto sports. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, this is the go-to morning conversation for everything happening in the 6ix – Hockey, Baseball, Basketball and everything in between. From breakout performances and questionable trades to throwback jerseys, viral moments, and the stories fans are actually talking about—it’s smart, sharp, and never scripted. Live weekday mornings on the Nation Network YouTube channel and available wherever you stream podcasts, the show delivers real opinions, real chemistry, and real Toronto energy. Missed an episode? Catch up anytime. Off The Roster—The new sound of the 6ix.
Breaking News
- Maple Leafs coaching candidate Peter Laviolette hired by Kings
- Bruce Boudreau backs Marlies bench boss John Gruden for Leafs job: Leafs Morning Take
- Around the NHL: Canadiens working on Gallagher trade, Islanders listening to offers for Mathew Barzal
- 10 best Canadian players drafted in Maple Leafs history
- Alex Nylander scores in overtime, Marlies advance to Calder Cup Final

