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Leafs practice news: Nylander ruled out vs. Devils, Matthews game-time decision, Woll projected to start
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Arun Srinivasan
Dec 30, 2025, 11:55 ESTUpdated: Dec 30, 2025, 11:53 EST
There will be several changes to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup due to a wave of injuries ahead of Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.
William Nylander, Dakota Joshua and Chris Tanev are all ruled out of the game due to injury. Nylander is still considered day-to-day, but did not attend Tuesday’s morning skate. Auston Matthews will be a game-time decision after sustaining an injury during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings after blocking a shot from Dylan Larkin.
Joshua and Tanev were both ruled out prior to the morning skate. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealed Joshua is still in Detroit to be evaluated.
“Joshua is still in Detroit. Whether he took a hit or went into the boards, it’s his kidney,” Berube said. “It’s got blood and everything, so we got to see where he’s at, too
Tanev will be evaluated Tuesday for a lower-body injury, a separate injury from the one that kept him out of the lineup for over a month.
“Nylander is day-to-day still,” Berube said. “He’s doing better but still day-to-day. Matthews will be a game-time decision. Tanev is lower-body, it’s not the same injury. He’s getting evaluated today so we’ll have a better timeline later today on him
As a result of the injuries, the Maple Leafs amended their lines. Matthew Knies will be skating on the top line with John Tavares and Max Domi, Scott Laughton centred Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann, Easton Cowan, Nicolas Roy and Nick Robertson formed the third line, while Marlies callup Jacob Quillan will be on the fourth line, joined by Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok on the wings.
“I love Quillan’s energy and his speed. He’s a young kid, but he could come in and provide what we need, I think tonight and going forward. I think he’s getting close to being an NHL player and a full time one with his ability. I mean, it’s a good opportunity for him tonight.”

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Devils

Matthew Knies-John Tavares-Max Domi
Matias Maccelli-Scott Laughton-Bobby McMann
Easton Cowan-Nicolas Roy-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-Jacob Quillan-Calle Jarnkrok
Jake McCabe-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers
Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher
Joseph Woll (projected starter)
Dennis Hildeby 

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