Which Leafs players need to step up in stars' absences

"The Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night, and once again, the lineup will look far from ideal. Toronto is expected to be without Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Dakota Joshua, and Chris Tanev, forcing the Leafs to lean heavily on their depth. Calle Järnkrok and Jacob Quillan are both expected to re-enter the lineup as the coaching staff looks for answers to their ongoing injury trouble."

"The Maple Leafs have battled injuries all season long, and the standings reflect it. Despite sitting just two points out of the final Wild Card spot, Toronto currently finds itself at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, a far point from preseason expectations. The situation has worsened recently, as Chris Tanev appears set to miss extended time with a lower-body injury just two games after returning. Toronto is also still without Brandon Carlo and starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz."

"William Nylander will miss his second straight game after being listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Auston Matthews, meanwhile, is a game-time decision after blocking a shot in Sunday night's loss to the Red Wings. With so much star power missing, the Leafs will need both their veterans and younger players to step up in a major way. To have any chance against a fast, skilled Devils team, Toronto must play a complete 60-minute game and operate as a connected unit."

The Maple Leafs will be missing key forwards and defensemen, including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Dakota Joshua, Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz, forcing reliance on depth additions like Calle Järnkrok and Jacob Quillan. Persistent injuries have pushed Toronto toward the bottom of the Atlantic Division despite remaining close to a Wild Card spot. Extended absence for Tanev further erodes defensive stability. Success against a fast Devils team requires a full 60-minute effort, defensive commitment to Craig Berube's system, heavy contributions from Joseph Woll in goal, and offensive spark from players such as Matthew Knies.

Read at Editor In Leaf