Maple Leafs Shuffling Lineup as Injuries Mount Early in Season
Maple Leafs Shuffle Lineup Amid Early Injury Concerns
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a bit of an uneven start to the 2025-26 NHL season, with injuries already impacting their lineup just two games in.
After dropping their season opener to the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs bounced back with a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. However, the victory came at a cost, as the team lost forward Nicholas Robertson to an upper-body injury.
Roster Roulette as Injuries Pile Up
Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged that the Leafs have been forced to shuffle their lineup due to the early injury issues. This includes moving Matthew Knies up to the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matias Maccelli.
"We're just trying to find the right combinations," Berube said. "It'll take some patience as we try to get things figured out."
In addition to Robertson's setback, the Leafs are also without defensemen Morgan Rielly (lower body) and Brandon Carlo (upper body). Berube said he's hopeful both players will return to the lineup soon, but their status remains uncertain.
Youngsters Get Opportunities
With key veterans sidelined, some of the Leafs' younger players have been thrust into more prominent roles. Rookie forward Easton Cowan, who was a healthy scratch in the season opener, drew into the lineup against the Red Wings.
Berube praised Cowan's physical presence and faceoff work, suggesting the 21-year-old could earn more playing time if he continues to impress.
"We need him to be noticeable in every shift, to make plays that push the puck to the net, and to hold his own physically," Berube said of Cowan. "The roadmap for his success is clear."
Lineup Flexibility Key for Leafs
With injuries mounting, the Leafs' depth will be tested early on. But Berube expressed confidence in the team's ability to weather the storm, noting the importance of lineup flexibility and player versatility.
"We have guys who can play up and down the lineup, and that's going to be crucial for us right now," Berube said. "Guys like [John] Tavares, [William] Nylander, and [Calle] Jarnkrok give us that kind of versatility."
As the Leafs continue to navigate these early-season lineup challenges, their ability to adapt and get contributions from unexpected sources could go a long way in determining their success in the weeks ahead.
TL;DR
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are dealing with several early-season injuries, including to key players like Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo
- Head coach Craig Berube has had to shuffle the lineup, including promoting Matthew Knies to the top line
- Younger players like Easton Cowan have been given opportunities, and Berube is looking for them to make the most of their increased roles
- The Leafs' depth and lineup flexibility will be crucial as they try to weather the injury storm in the early going