We’ve entered the new year, and the Toronto Maple Leafs received some good news Thursday morning.
Auston Matthews will play Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. Matthews missed Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils due to a lower-body injury which he sustained during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
“It was worrisome, you never know what it could be,” Matthews said, following Thursday’s morning skate. “It kind of caught me in a difficult spot, and it was pretty swollen for a few days. So I just tried to do what I could to reduce all that stuff, put my foot in my skate and get going again.
Matthews’ 52 blocked shots ranks third among forwards in the NHL this season.
“I think most of the shots I’m blocking are sifters,” Matthews said. “They’re not super hard shots coming from the point that you get in the way of because you’re playing centre and playing in the middle of the ice. Sometimes, you have to lay your body on the line, that’s something that’s part of the game.”
Matthews was in excellent form leading up to his injury, posting his best game of the season in a 7-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators on December 27.
“It’s huge. He’s our captain. Really like the way he’s been playing lately. Driving the play and getting good opportunities and just playing with a lot of pace and determination. Great to have him back tonight,” Berube said of Matthews.
“Just taking pucks to the middle of the ice more, and attacking. Taking people 1-on-1 and winning all those battles and just all that, and just his attack mentality around the net. He looks like he’s ripping the puck a little bit, with a bit more ‘oomph’ on the shot.”
William Nylander participated in an individual session prior to the Leafs’ morning skate, but did not take part in the formal session. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube listed Nylander as doubtful to practice on Friday.
Joseph Woll will start Thursday. Berube indicated that he’s taking advantage of a break in the schedule, and believes Woll can be used more often, now that he’s worked his way back into form.
William Nylander is out on the ice early ahead of Leafs morning skate. pic.twitter.com/uBeeR2ZHfA
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) January 1, 2026
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Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Jets
Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Max Domi
Matias Maccelli-John Tavares-Bobby McMann
Easton Cowan-Nicolas Roy-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Calle Jarnkrok
Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers
Jake McCabe-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher
Joseph Woll (confirmed starter)
Dennis Hildeby
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